Tonight marks the first night of Chanukah. We have the Maccabees and their defeat of Seleucid Empire to thank for 8 nights of presents, gelt and latkes beginning in 25 minutes. (And our friends in states with agriculture-based economies to thank for sunset at 4:28pm tonight.)

Chabad house is celebrating by lighting an outlandishly-sized menorah (the press release claims “8ft!!”) on the steps of Low every night of Chanukah. Chabad’s combating the bitter, freezing cold with promises of free hot cider and donuts. 

A happy Chanukah to all!

Meanwhile, the cycle of life and death continues to play out in front of Furnald. Reports are circulating of large bird (“hawk/falcon,” says a source) perched in front of the dorm and causing a disturbance within Furnald lawn’s regular crow population.  Perhaps the “8ft!!” menorah will frighten the hawk/falcon back to the wilds and rectify the unbalance in Morningside Height’s ecosystem. It would be a Chanukah miracle.

UPDATE 5:14PM: Bird expert and Bwog tipster Courtney identifies the hawk/falcon as a juvenile red-tail hawk. And in the grand tradition of Maccabees vs. Antiochus IV and other battles of Chanukahs past, thus commences 8ft!! Menorah vs. Red-Tail Hawk.