Let us virtually light the Menorah

Since this year is my first year away from my family, I thought it would be apt to go buy a menorah for myself. When my brother had is first child four years ago, I bought him a menorah at target (classy). So, I decided that perhaps target was my best bet here in Australia. After wandering around the store for a while I finally saw an employee I could ask for help.

"Do you sell menorahs?"

"Sorry?"

"Menorahs?"

She stares at me blankly.

"The Jewish candle holder for Hanukah" - I then held up eight fingers pressed together - as if that would explain the whole thing, clearly the international sign for menorah.

"Um, no."

"Do you know where I could get one?"

"No."

Later that day I saw four men in an elevator wearing yarmulkes. My fingers itched to tap one of them on the shoulder and ask them wear I could purchase a menorah - but even I, the knight of awkward, couldn't handle that conversation.


Instead on the first night of Hanukah, Jess and I celebrated by making latkes slathered in apple sauce (which they keep by their barbecue sauce and ketchup, confusing!) and sour cream. As it got dark, at like 9 pm, I lit a candle in my imagination said the prayer and gave thanks for the light. It wasn't how I imagined it, but it is nearly as good.