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Show Hilltop 2 COMMENTARY TIMES December 11, 2014 More than dreidels: What Hanukkah is all about Hi lltop BY CHAPLAIN (CAPT.) JEREMY CASKEY Hill AFB Chapel nce 1948 Hilltop Times Managerial Staff: Andrea Mason Director, Team Hill Public Affairs 801-777-2286 Rich Essary Team Hill Public Affairs 801-777-2284 Barbara Fisher Team Hill Public Affairs 801-775-3652 Micah Garbarino ... Team Hill Public Affairs 801-777-1902 Deadlines: Editorial and news items are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Thursday print date. To submit news items, email 75abw.pa@us.af.mil or call the numbers above. For Classified Advertising, call 801-625-4300. For Retail Advertising, call 801-625-4388. The Hilltop Times is published by Ogden Publishing Corp., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under, and in compliance with, a Memorandum of Understanding with Hill Air Force Base. The content of the Hilltop Times does not necessarily represent the views of, nor is it endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Hill Air Force Base (collectively, the Government). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Government of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Standard-Examiner, 332 Standard Way, Ogden, Utah, 84404. Additional editorial content is provided by various military and civilian wire services and Hill Air Force Base public affairs departments. Call 801-777-1902 with story ideas or comments, or email 75abw.pa@us.af.mil . Call 801-625-4300 for Classified Advertising or 801-6254388 for Retail Advertising. HAWC Nest Fhnesslip from the Health and Wellness Center Studies have found that people who have smoked for years can dramatically reduce their risk of lung cancer and many other cancers by quitting. QUIT TODAY. For assistance call the HAWC at 801-7771215. THINK SAFETY Hill's Total 2014 DUls: 9 Hill's Last DUI: w hen you think of Hanukkah what is the first thing that comes to mind? If you are an adherent of Judaism, you probably know what Hanukkah represents. But for those who do not, what do you think of? Do you think of Adam Sandler singing his Hanukkah Song or spinning dreidels, also known as tops, or do you think of something more? How did Hanukkah come about? In 168 B.C. the Greeks had entered Israel by force. They desecrated the temple in Jerusalem, built an altar to their god, Zeus, and sacrificed an unclean animal upon the altar within the Jewish temple complex. As a result, a Jewish rebellion broke out, led by Judas Maccabeus. Within two years the Jews drove out the invaders. Judas Maccabeus and his followers cleansed the temple, rededicating it to the worship Hilltop Times file photo Members of the Jewish community gather to light their Menorahs during the first day of the Hanukkah celebration in December of 2008 at the Universalist Church in Ogden. of God. Within the temple, it was customary for the menorah, or a candelabrum, to stay lit throughout the evening. However, a shortage of oil meant that the menorah could remain lit for only one day. According to the Talmud — a central text in Judaism — the candle remained burning for eight days, until more oil could be brought. And thus, the miracle of Hanukkah began. Jews and adherents to Judaism celebrate and commemorate this miracle throughout the world, for eight days every year. This year Hanukkah begins on Dec. 16 and ends Dec. 24. Traditionally, loved ones exchange one present per day; families gather to eat fried foods such as potato pancakes, or latkes, light the menorah, and play games; in particular, the dreidel: a toplike game. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Alan Kahan, a Jewish, orthodox rabbi, explains that everything they do to celebrate symbolizes and commemorates that miracle. They light the menorah and eat foods cooked in oil to remember what God had done. If you are Jewish, remember what God has done for his people this Hanukkah. If you are not, know and appreciate that Hanukkah is much more than Sandler's Hanukkah Song or a time for games and presents. Happy Hanukkah! Asking for help is sign of strength not weakness BY MAJ. GEN. MARK BROWN AND MASTER SGT. DERIK NEW 2nd Air Force K EESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. — Growing up I was a big fan of Muhammad Ali. He was the world heavyweight boxing champion and unashamedly referred to himself as "The Greatest." I vividly remember a reporter asking Ali, "When did you know that you were `The Greatest?"' Before Ali could answer, the reporter offered, "Perhaps it was when you knocked out George Foreman in 1974?" Ali shook his head in disagreement, so the reporter continued. "Maybe it was when you destroyed Sonny Liston in the world heavyweight championship in 1964?" Again, All shook his head. Then Ali told the story of when he knew he was the greatest. It happened in 1973 when he faced Ken Norton at the San Diego Sports Arena. As Ali entered the arena, the crowed was in a frenzy, cheer- ing "Ali, Ali, Ali!" The world champion stepped in the ring and quickly found himself overmatched against the bigger Norton, suffering a broken jaw in the second round. Ali found the strength to finish the 12-round bout, but suffered only his second defeat in 43 professional fights. Through this trial, after having his jaw broken and being knocked senseless but somehow remaining on his feet, is when Ali truly came to believe he was the greatest. To prove that point, Ali went on to beat Ken Norton in their next two matches. Being knocked out and having to bounce back is all but inevitable for most of us. This is especially true for those of us in the business of delivering air power for America. Our mission can be stressful and those stresses can be further complicated by the everyday challenges of life. The good news is that, regardless of our situation, there is always a helping hand. The act of reaching out to these individuals may be difficult, but should never be thought of as a sign of weakness. In fact, recognizing you need help, and seeking that help, only builds resilience and strengthens your character. Knowledge of this indirect benefit is well documented throughout history. Per John Heywood, an English author and playwright in the early 16th century; "If you will call troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be." We all need help every now and then. Some individuals feel very comfortable asking for financial, spiritual, physical, or emotional help during difficult times; however, many others are unable to recognize when help is needed, or are just reluctant to ask. For those who prefer to do things themselves, so as not to burden others, the situation or experience can eventually become such a weight that the individual is unable to go at it alone or is already in over their head. Air Force physicians, mental health providers, chaplains, first sergeants, commanders, and wingmen are all there to help. There are also many programs that allow you to talk or research your situations, such as our family readiness centers, our Military Crisis Line, the Air Force Suicide Prevention web site, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, and The Airman's Guide for Assisting Personnel in Distress. But the fact remains, if you don't reach out, it's difficult to offer assistance. As military members, your country relies on your service and we understand the burden that can be levied upon you and your families. Always remember, you are not alone with this and someone is there to help. My wish to you this holiday season is that you will ask for help if you need it. Just remember that even "The Greatest" had to bounce back to truly realize his greatness. Report suspicious activity via the AFOSI EAGLE EYES program 3058. watch — Repo rt — Protect Dial: 777-3056 / 3057/ Force Protection is Our Business — Everyone is a Sensor Sot. 28 Unit Involved: 75e tVer &We W9 Airmen Against Drinking and Driving provide rides when designated drivers are unavailable. Call 801-777-1111 to request a ride anytime. Hours of operation: Fridays-Saturdays 10 p.m.- 6 a.m. Sundays 9 p.m.-midnight. Security Forces 24-hr. 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