Somebody had just beat me to the draw in R&S section, lol, so I'll extend my greetings here in the Israel section as well, since I never see many Jews in R&S section. Hope all of you have blessed holidays in peace!
2007-12-04 08:24:56 · 13 answers · asked by hayaa_bi_taqwa 6 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
It's so sweet of you, my friend!
The story of the Maccabees' military feats has been preserved in The First Book of Maccabees. In short, in response to religious persecution and oppression, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. The Maccabees, using guerilla warfare, miraculously succeeded to drive the far larger Greek-Syrian army out of Judea.
The Hanukkah story proclaims the message of the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit."
The purification of the Temple began on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev in the year 165 BCE. According to the Talmud, the single-days-worth of pure oil found in the Temple miraculously burnt for eight days until more pure oil could be brought.
In commemoration of these miracles, a Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Hanukkiah) is lit during each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is the central observance of the festival. One candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. Thus, on the last night of Hanukkah, all eight candles of the Hanukkiah are lit. The candles should be lit by a window or door in order to fulfill the commandment to "publicize the miracle." While lighting the candles, blessings are recited and the ancient chant Hanerot Hallalu is traditionally sung. After lighting the candles, it is a tradition to sing Maoz Tzur.
The first two blessings below are recited each night. The third, a blessing of joy traditionally recited during each Jewish festival, is recited only the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit.
BLESSING 1
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
BLESSING 2
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
BLESSING 3
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time. (This blessing is recited only on the first night or the first time one kindles the Hanukkah lights)
Hanukkah is a fun festival, especially for children. After lighting the Hanukkah candles together, families (and often invited guests) will eat and play games. Traditional Hanukkah food is oil-rich in commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Potato pancakes (Latkas in Yiddish, Livivot in Hebrew) are a Hanukkah favorite. Israelis eat Hanukkah doughnuts called soofganiot. Dreidel (sivovon in Hebrew) is a traditional Hanukkah game, with game rules so simple that the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents can play together. Playing dreidel is the perfect fun way to celebrate the holiday, create family memories, and strengthen our children’s Jewish identities. The custom of giving Hanukkah gelt (money) to children has evolved into a gift-giving tradition in many Jewish families today.
In 2007 Hanukkah began at sundown on Tuesday December 4 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday December 12.
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday both in Israel and outside of Israel.
Here, I post some links about Hanukkah in my other answer. Shalom aleichem.
2007-12-05 03:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Duke of Tudor 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Um even though I'm Muslim and don't celebrate Hanukkah thanks and happy Hanukka to u too :) but how ever I have an Invite to have dinner with some of my Jewish friends from Israel to celebrate and to light a candle :) how ever Muslims holiday is Eid and it will be the 19th or 20th :) ohh by the way I love New Years its my favorite time of the year its like a fresh start I love watching the ball drop on Time square I wish I could go there for real would be a wish come true!
2016-04-07 08:34:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happy Hanukkah
2007-12-04 08:40:12 · answer #3 · answered by The Hebrew Hammer 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
THANK YOU!
This did my heart a world of good today!
Perhaps you are well aware that Hanukkah celebrates a victory over religious intolerance and persecution so this is a holiday that every person can take some of it's spirit and celebrate..
If you are free to worship as your heart and spirit lead you..you can honor the spirit of this festival, too!
May you and your family have the freedom to live your faith in peace and joy!
Shalom :)
HAPPY HANUKKAH TO ALL!
2007-12-04 10:03:55 · answer #4 · answered by ✡mama pajama✡ 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Salaam Alaykum,
Masha Allah to you...that was very kind. As a Muslim I have never received a mean response from my questions in the R and S section from the Jewish posters on YA. And I just love Larry David...big Happy Hannukah to him. I have seen and heard some wonderful Jewish scholars that are opposed to the occupation as far as oppression and may someday we all get our prayers for peace answered.
Wasalaam
2007-12-04 11:46:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Thank you for the warm greetings. Happy Holiday season to all of us!!!
Shalom, Salam, Peace.
2007-12-04 10:46:28 · answer #6 · answered by DeeZee 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Gosh... I cannot believe I just gave a thumbs up to Da Man...
Happy Hanukkah.
2007-12-05 02:45:59 · answer #7 · answered by moneymaker 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's really sweet, thank you so much :)
There are a few of us who answer in R&S, me included; I don't remember seeing you there either but I'll look out for you from now on!
Again, thank you for your lovely post. Shalom/Salam
2007-12-04 09:20:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Happy Chanukkah
2007-12-04 10:11:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Muslims are always sweet
Happy Holidays 4 all
2007-12-04 10:37:33 · answer #10 · answered by . . 1 · 7⤊ 5⤋