Operation Pillar of Defense is over for most everyone,
except for the wounded, and of course the families of those who were killed.
The rockets destroyed by Iron Dome are less of a topic of discussion.
Children in Southern Israel are no longer in shelters,
but have gone back to school,
while their big brothers have returned to their regular military service.
The children of Kiryat Malachi still have a long, hard road ahead.
But enough of war and politics!
The calendar has turned to December
and Hanukkah is almost here!
That means it is strawberry season
and fresh citrus fruit abounds in the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.
Piles of dreydels are on display,
platters of suffganiot,
and the streets are illuminated with colorful Chanukiot.
Hanukkah is coming, ready or not.