"But I promised to talk most about the children. They took part with their parents in family prayer every night and morning. They washed and prayed before every meal. After it, they gave thanks to God for his kindness to them. As each Sabbath came around, the children looked forward to it as though they were going to welcome a king. It was a time of rest and joy.
"When the father came home on the eve of the holy day, he found the house trimmed up as though for a feast. The Sabbath lamp was lighted. The table was spread with the richest feast the family could afford. Before doing anything else, the father blessed each child with the blessing of Israel. The little ones felt that something beautiful and holy was about to take place.
"They were quite willing to give up their play for the next day. They would have something better."
"You have taught us all these things, papa," said Esther.
"I know it, my dear. But I tell them again so that you may see we have not changed much since the old days.
"The children looked forward to the feast-days with joyful delight. It is hard to say which they liked best."
"They must have loved the Feast of the Dedication," said Miriam.
"Why, Miriam?"
"On account of the many candles. It is so pleasant to watch a great number of them burning at once."
"Yes, children always love lights and brightness. The first evening of the feast, a candle was lighted for each one in the house. The second evening, two were lighted, and so on to the eighth night."