Key holidays are important in choosing a time to schedule your
ski trips. Among the many known cross-cultural celebrations in America, the
Jewish Hanukkah has earned a unique reputation in the general public.
For most Gentiles, this holiday is recognized in the same magnitude as
Christmas or Islamic Ramadan. While delving into the deeper definition
of Hanukkah in the Hebrew perspective, some of its key traditional
meanings somehow make ski outings appropriate. Here are some of the
reasons that justify comparing
Hanukkah values to the intense skiing
sport:
Celebrating courage and victory
Contrary to popular misconception, Hanukkah is a celebration that was
conceived as a byproduct of warfare. During the 2nd Century AD, the
Maccabean Hebrews rebelled against the powerful Greek empire of
Alexander the Great. The very reason Hanukkah is celebrated is because
the Jewish victory was believed to be nothing short of a miracle. The
inferior Hebrew rebels only had courage and faith compared to the
superior might of the Greeks. How is this significant to skiing? Any
novice skier considers sliding the treacherous alpine slope as a
daunting challenge. It takes faith and courage to start that great leap.
The central Hanukkah theme is a fitting subject for inspiration.
Green Hanukkah, and the love of nature
Hanukkah is a good holiday to celebrate in ski resorts or remote ski
towns. The thematic €miracle of the oil€ has transcended beyond the
confines of religious ideology and made its way to general
environmentalism. Wildlife photographers and enthusiasts spending a
vacation will find Hanukkah a fitting holiday to celebrate as it is
congruent to their ecological sentiments. After all, some ski resorts
have peripheral nature reserves worth protecting.
Eight evenings of solemnity
Hanukkah is a very solemn event, even for non-devout Jewish individuals.
It is quite difficult to maintain that sacredness in the midst of urban
civilization replete with materialism and other secular temptations.
Fortunately, rural ski vacation destinations can also serve as a fitting
retreat location. These outdoor sites can provide an environment that
is more compatible to meditation and prayer. Plus, a total detachment
from the noise and fast-paced tempo of the city can allow one to savor
the moment of blessing and lighting the candles.
A good time for open inter-faith dialogue
As an extension to celebrating the spirit of courage, the events that
shaped Hanukkah celebration was also not possible without emphasizing
€proclamation of faith€. It takes courage and grace to testify to one's
personal beliefs, especially in a society that heavily stresses secular
values. Hanukkah is a good time to get to know new friends and
discussing good points among contrasting personal beliefs. Religious or
philosophical discussions are often touchy topics, one that warrants
solid reasons for initiating one. Celebrating Hanukkah justifies such
social activity.
There is good reason to celebrate Hanukkah at ski resorts. Scheduling
ski trips in this time of the year is an interesting way to commemorate
a meaningful holiday for Hebrews and even sympathetic Gentiles.
Source:
http://goarticles.com/article/Going-to-Ski-Trips-During-Hanukkah/9814681/
Sage letting everyone know he is "100%" while filming for TGR's 
