To the Jewish R&Sers: Happy Hanukkah! Since I know almost nothing about Jewish culture (see details)?

Question

I will take this opportunity to learn some, if I can.

How will you spend your day/night?

Answer 1

Thanks a lot, my friend!

The festival of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) was established to commemorate the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over the Greek-Syrians and the rededication of the Second Temple, which had been desecrated by the Greek-Syrians, to the worship of God. Thus, Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish national survival and religious freedom.

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, when the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple, they discovered that the Greco-Syrians had defiled the oil which was used to Temple's menorah. Only one vat of purified oil remained - enough for only one day. It would take the Jews a week to process more purified oil. Then a miracle occurred. The Maccabees lit the menorah and it burned for not one, but eight days, by which time the new, purified oil was ready. This is why the Hanukkah Menorah has eight candles (not including the shamash candle used to light the others) and one reason why Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days.

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 begins 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.

Please visit these links for further reading on Hanukkah.

Answer 2

Thanks!

I am going to spend my day as I usually spend it, and tonight light the second candle and perhaps eat some doughnuts, (I had latkes yesterday...we eat fried things and dairy on this holiday to commemorate the miracle of having 8 nights of oil instead of one, after the Maccabees victory)...

It isn't actually the most important holiday of ours, (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Passover are higher on the list), but a fun one, especially for the kids. It happens to fall at the same time of year as Christmas, so a bigger deal is made of it. Presents, it's all about the presents for everyone it seems, Jewish or not. I just don't understand why people get upset with each other and not retailers...but that is a different story!

Thanks, though...and have a great winter!

Answer 3

Thank you for your warm wishes.

On Hanukkah, each evening after nightfall (or before sundown on Friday afternoon because of the Sabbath), candles are lit to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 163 BCE. Each night, for 8 nights, an additional candle is added. Blessings and songs of praise to God are sung. Some have the custom to exchange gifts. Most have the custom to eat food fried in oil (as a reminder of the miracle of hanukkah).

Answer 4

Todah Raba (thanks a lot)!

I'll spend the day doing what I usually do. Tonight we'll travel to a Friends house where we'll light the Haukkiah (which was explained well by the answerer before me) - eat - talk about a portion of the story (which was told in full last night) and discuss what lessons can be gleaned - eat some more - song some songs - do a little dancing and then tumble out around 11ish to head home so we can get some rest before we do it all again tomorrow!

Answer 5

Thank you for wishing Happy Hanukkah! I hate to admit this, I am Jewish, but I don't really know much about it either. I just recently converted, so I know some of the basics, but not everything yet. I will be interested to see any helpful answers as well. Tonight, we are going to my Rabbi's house, so we'll see what happens!

Answer 6

Thank you very much. Last night we lit the first candle, and gave our daughter her first present. Even though she knew what it was, she was still excited. I wish I was seven again. This is really not a major holiday, and it is virtually non-religious. As far as my understanding goes, it only became what it is today as a means to have a holiday for Jewish kids during the Christmas season so they wouldn't feel too bad. Since it fell during the winter, and wasn't religious, someone came up with the idea of giving gifts.

Answer 7

Thanks! I can't add anything to what's already been said except that I will try to go easy on the doughnuts and latkes. For anyone intererested: use the frozen hash browns from the grocery store instead of grating your own potatoes. They taste the same and you don't have to squeeze them to get all that water out!

Answer 8

Thank you so much!

For more info on Chanukah and also other Jewish festivals, check out http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/

Also http://www.jewfaq.org