Shamir's Chanukah:

The second round of Middle East Peace talks was supposed to start in Washington yesterday. Shamir told the U.S. that he wouldn't come until December 9. That's the day after Chanukah. Do we think there's a coincidence?

Since Chanukah is not a major religious holiday, Shamir could work. The rub? He wouldn't get to be with his family during a family-oriented holiday. I bet he would be willing to give that up for world peace.

But imagine this scenario. Shamir is in a marathon meeting with President Assad of Syria. They are about to negotiate a Middle East peace treaty in an official building in Washington. Evening is approaching.

One of Shamir's aides dances in with a menorah. The Israeli delegation lights the candles, sings the prayers and exchanges gifts. Another aide brings in a plate of steaming latkes. Yet another starts a dreidel game. Shamir stands up, breaks into a smile and leads the conference participants in a round of "Rock of Ages."

The Jewish Thanksgiving:

Chanukah might not get a lot of attention this year because it comes so early. But by starting on Thanksgiving weekend, this year's celebration opens up a lot of possibilities. I'm sure at some point during the holiday it was referred to as the "Jewish Thanksgiving," even though the real one happens in September.

Things will get back to normal next year when Chanukah and Christmas overlap.

I guess I shouldn't complain about the misconceptions about Chaunukah. I didn't realize until I was in junior high that Christmas fell on the same day every year. I found this out while I was arguing with my shop teacher because I refused to make Christmas ornaments.

He offered to let me make Chanukah ornaments. I told him that it would be a fire hazard to hang ornaments on my menorah. We compromised and I made a nondenominational knock-hockey set.

Beth L. Pinsker '93, the assistant editorial chair, once believed in the Chanukah Bunny.