Hanukkah Lights 2009

With its 20th anniversary on the horizon, Hanukkah Lights again unveils brand new literature for the holiday season — stories of a single menorah that illuminates a liftetime's journey; a youthful discovery that brings new meaning to the original Hanukkah miracle; and a weary mother who finds fresh strength in a daughter's love — all read for you by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

'The Menorah' By Michael Blumanthal

The author movingly reflects on six decades of Hanukkah celebrations, all accompanied by the same time-worn menorah. Michael Blumenthal also wrote Weinstock Among the Dying, winner of Hadassah magazine's Ribelow Prize for best Jewish novel of the year. His recently published, seventh book of poems is titled And. He is currently the John T. Copenhaver visiting professor of law at West Virginia University.

'Entries From A Macabbee Diary' By Rachel Shukert

A youthful perspective brings new and surprisingly profound insights into the story of the first Hanukkah. Rachel Shukert is the author of Have You No Shame? And Other Regrettable Stories. Her latest book, a memoir called Everything Is Going To Be Great, is scheduled for publication in 2010. She lives in New York City.

'Meryl' By Rachel Kadish

Ensconced in a nursing home, an elderly woman finds that the spirit of rededication can apply not just to an ancient temple but to a life as well. Award-winning author Rachel Kadish wrote the novels From a Sealed Room and Tolstoy Lied: a Love Story. A former fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts and writer in residence at Stanford University, she lives outside Boston.

'Rededication' By Danit Brown

A devoted but weary mother finds new hope in a rebellious daughter's love. Danit Brown is also the author of Ask for a Convertible, a Washington Post Best Book of 2008, and winner of a 2009 American Book Award. She lives in Michigan with her family.