My Jewish friend said that she was going to invite to me her house for hanakauh dinner. What should I expect in term of food or activites? Please be descriptive.
2007-11-23 08:37:33 · 8 answers · asked by Answer 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well - expect a lot of fried foods (at least that's whats common in our celebrations) - a lot of fun and a definite, positive, learning experience.
The event celebrated each year during Hanukkah are something all Christians should be grateful for. This isn't the "Jewish Christmas" - and from a historical perspective, without Hanukkah there would be no Christmas.
I'll let your friend and her family tell you what that is. Enjoy!
2007-11-23 08:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by Marji 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hannukah isn't hard! You can expect they will light the candles and say a few short blessings (males will probably be asked to cover their heads). They'll probably sing a few songs. Since they're having company (you!) you can expect a festive meal. This generally involves fried foods, since the oil for re-dedicating the Holy Temple is an important part of the Hannukah story. For most American Jews, that means latkes, fried potato pancakes, served with applesauce or sour cream. But if your friend's family is Sephardic or have embraced Sephardic customs, it may also mean fried doughnuts or crullers.
Traditionally, while the candles are burning, no household work is done, and games of chance are permitted. The most traditional game of chance is "dreydel", where each person takes turns spinning a four-sided top, and you win or lose depending on which face of the top is uppermost when it stops spinning.
Small gifts are often exchanged (not always...) and the most customary gift is coins. If you'd like to bring something, chocolates that are kosher, marked with a (K) or a (U), are a good choice. The gold-foil-covered chocolate "coins", if kosher, cover all bases.
Your friend invited you, so I think you can assume she wants to share the fun of the holiday with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the reasons for things, and enjoy!
Happy Hannukah!
2007-11-25 17:37:57 · answer #2 · answered by SheyneinNH 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, firstly you can expect to have a good time :)
Hanukah is a lovely festival. If your friend is not that religious, then you can expect just a delicious dinner and maybe a bit of a service. If, though, she is more orthodox, there may be a longer and more detailed service. I would really suggest you ask your friend about this; I know it can be a bit daunting to take part in another religion's holidays if you are unfamiliar with it. Do ask your friend and I'm sure she will be happy to help.
You might like to take a bottle of kosher wine as a little gift as you're going for dinner. Again, your friend can advise you on this. Have a great time, and don't be anxious; I'm sure they will make you extremely welcome :)
2007-11-23 08:44:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Blessings maybe a song, lighting candles. Some people Jews do some readings from Torah like Psalms 91.
I hope you enjoy!
Shalom
2007-11-23 09:00:01 · answer #4 · answered by יונתן 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Light. There is a detailed article at the link, check out the bits that might be useful for your visit:
2007-11-23 08:59:11 · answer #5 · answered by pwei34 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would ask my friend to fill me in on the food items and the traditions. She will probably be glad you asked and more than happy to explain. That way you will get the proper information and not be led astray. Have a great time and God bless you.
2007-11-23 08:42:34 · answer #6 · answered by Herb W 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here's the wiki link to it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukah
Scroll down and there's a chapter on the rituals done. It might help you understand what's coming up next during the evening. Just follow what your friend does.
2007-11-23 08:47:28 · answer #7 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if nothing else hope for some latkas
2007-11-23 08:58:46 · answer #8 · answered by norbert m 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋