Rediscovering the Meaning of Chanukah (January 1, 2006)
Thank you for this amazingly enlightening program on Kosofsky's book on Jewish customs. Two things in particular that were said today spoke to me. First, even in the 14th century, Jews believed that ethical behavior is always of the utmost importance, and that what you do is always more important than simple belief. Second, the meaning of the word Chanukah is "dedication." Being a Jew who has rejected the commercialization of Chanukah, I found myself throwing out the baby with the bath water. I intensely disliked the idea of Chanukah as the Jewish consolation prize for not having Christmas, which is also a holiday who's meaning has been lost in its commercialization.

I realized in listening to the program today that the actual meaning of Chanukah is not that we are dedicating ourselves to the idea of a miracle. What we are actually dedicating (or more accurately, re-dedicating) ourselves to is the idea of being Jews, Jews for whom ethical behavior is of the utmost importance. I realized that Chanukah is a time to say, "I am a Jew and I accept the responsibility of tikkun olam, the repair of the world, because that is what being Jewish is all about." Thank you for this moment of enlightenment. After 57 years I feel that I can finally lay claim to understanding and appreciating the meaning of Chanukah.

Leslie Caplan
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Contemplative (December 8, 2004)
I turned off the lights, the room lit only by the lights of the Hanukkah Menorah. I closed my eyes, and like reading I. B. Singer, felt the spirits of the past come to life in my mind's eye. There I sat curled in an old chair, standing on the shoulders of those who came before. Thank you Mr. Kosofsky. You made my evening one of hope, knowing laughter, and cheer in a world too often filled with the harsh realities of our times. Your book is on this teacher's wish list.

Cissy Cohen
Atlanta, GA (WABE, 90.1 FM)

Learning a Few Things Myself (December 5, 2004)
I thoroughly enjoyed the episode featuring "Hanukkah, and a Rediscovery of Jewish Customs." As a Reform Jew that has become more observant in the past few years, it was comforting to hear familiar adages throughout Judaism, such as action before faith. I think that has been a driving force that eventually led me to fall in love with Judaism. The Jewish scholar was fascinating, and I even learned a few things about Judaism. I had to refer this episode to a friend who had been recently asking me about Jewish customs and the meaning behind Hanukkah. Thank you for the wonderful show!

Jessica Kubel
Monrovia, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Understanding the Tradition (December 5, 2004)
I really enjoyed your show today on Hanukkah. Understanding the tradition and how it speaks to us today is an ongoing creative challenge. I wrote a set of story cards for Hanukkah as well as for Passover to recreate the historic journeys and find present-day meaning in them. They explore how we walk in the footsteps of our ancestor and can allow their stories to speak through us today to add dimension to our lives. Thank you for your openness in exploring the way that faith supports us in our own personal growth.

Joy Gordon
Plymouth, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

More Meaning to Older People (December 5, 2004)
Your special on Hanukkah added depth to a holiday whose observation is viewed by many as being silly if you are over 11 years of age. There is a need for more programs of this nature on other Jewish holidays. A collaborative effort with rabbis in the community would allow you to reach more people and to gain insights from different people and it would allow us in the field to produce something that would be deliverable to our congregants that are always in the car! They would also appreciate the attempt to de-infantilize the holidays which they want to be meaningful but are often at a loss to do so on their own. Once again, thanks so much for you important programming.

Rabbi Len Muroff
Agoura Hills, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Appreciation from an Atheist (December 5, 2004)
I thought you folks might appreciate my feedback. I am not at all a spiritual person. I belong to no church and I have a generally low opinion of most religion, and I believe very strongly in a non-supernatural world. I am a very comfortable atheist. I do, however, very much enjoy listening to your program. You have a way of providing information and beliefs that is very non-judgmental. Thank you for your show.

Sam Chase
Chanhassen, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)