The first night of Hanukkah is always special.

It was 1959 when I lit my very first Hanukkah candle all by myself.

At four years old, I was deemed old enough to hold the tapered lit candle in my hand, gently guided by my mother. Of course, it was also under the watchful eagle eyes of my paternal grandparents my Nana Rose and Papa Moishe. That tradition has continued for 64 more years.

Even if they are no longer here to watch over me.

That year would have been the first holiday season that Barbie debuted making her the must-have toy for the holidays. But I much preferred cuddly stuffed animals, pudgy baby dolls, and apparently a toy gas pump. A hard plastic doll with missile breasts held no interest.

This year the tradition of lighting a menorah continues, but with a more somber feeling.

This holiday all I want for Hanukkah is for the Israeli hostages to be released and returned home to their families .

Our long Jewish history is one shrouded with darkness and despair, but eventually, there is always light.

Let us pray for the safe return of the hostages and lasting peace.

A true Hanukkah miracle and the best present we could ask for.