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Resources and articles on Chanukah

Events and Activities Ideas:  Channkah - November 30, 2002 - December 7, 2002

On the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, the Jewish people light the candles of the menorah to commemorate the victory of the Jews against the Assyrians. The courage and resistance of the Maccabees and their allies to fight against the Assyrians kept the Jewish people alive and allowed the Jewish traditions to continue. [Full article...]
By: 12th House 
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


Jewish symbols:  The Dreidel

One of the best known symbols of Chanukah is the dreidel, also called a "s'vivon," in Hebrew. A dreidel is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side. Dreidel is a derivative of a German word meaning "top," and the game is an adaptation of an old German gambling game. Hanukkah was one of the few times of the year when the rabbis permitted games of chance. [Full article...]
By: Anton Marks
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah
Judaism > Jewish Symbols


Jewish Symbols:  The Menorah

One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple. The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. Our Sages explain that the purpose of the menorah was not to illuminate the Sanctuary, but rather to spread its light throughout the entire world. For this purpose, the windows of the Temple were constructed in a unique manner, wide on the outside, narrow on the inside, clearly indicating that their purpose was for the light of the Temple to shine outward. [Full article...]
By: Anton Marks
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah
Judaism > Jewish Symbols


:  Poker, Dreidel, and Hannukah

Judaism has always frowned on gambling. In fact, a person who is a known gambler is disqualified from being considered a witness. If that is the case, how is it that once a year, children pull out a funny, little, squarish top, engraved on 4 sides with Hebrew letters, and.... gamble? [Full article...]
By: Robin Treistman
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


:  .... Light My Fire

Hannukah is a GREAT reason for party. In fact, you can have a great celebration without having to put much thought into the content or preplanned activities. Just put out the traditional "latkes" (potato pancakes) and/or the "sufganiot" (jelly doughnuts) and you'll attract participants from miles around (who would pass up free food?). You can even throw in a candle-lighting ceremony complete with the blessings in whatever language, some group singing, and there you go... POOF! A Hannukah party! The End. [Full article...]
By: Eli Birnbaum Robin Treistman
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah
Judaism > Jewish Food


Jew In the Modern World:  The Chanukah Decision

Artie Fischer explores the holiday of Chanukah from an intensely personal point of view: how do you make a synthesis of two worlds without losing the best of both of them? Delving into the underlying facets of the Jewish holiday that is now upon us, Artie invites us to contemplate the importance of being a Jew in the post-Modern world, and all this from a proudly Maccabean perspective. Light your Menorah and read on.... [Full article...]
By: Eli Birnbaum
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


The right of force against an evil which would threaten the fabric of Jewish culture and tradition:  Light Oily, Light Often

The story of the Maccabees is the quintessence of the greatness of an idea. Most of us have heard the story hundreds of times. It was frequently used as a psychological "upper" for Jews who were persecuted, who didn't have the possibility or the courage to fight against their oppressors. Throughout our history, when confronted with tyranny, we used the light of the story of the Maccabees to guide us through the maze of assimilation and isolation. Hoping for a clearer future, we stood proudly in the shadow of our heritage. [Full article...]
By: Eli Birnbaum
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


Hannukah stories:  Hannukah Tidbits

A collection of Hannukah stories by different authors, taken from the Hanukkah Anthology. [Full article...]
By:
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


Did you ever notice that on both holidays we spin something with our hands? :  Purim - A Spin-Off of Hannukah

It is usually easy for us to divide the world into two halves: The good and evil, spiritual and material, Huntley and Brinkley, Mickey and Minnie, ketchup and mustard... I get carried away with myself sometimes. [Full article...]
By: Eli Birnbaum
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Purim


:  A Pyro's Dream Come True

Hannukah is among the most favored 8 days of the year for local pyromaniacs. FIRE! How fun! And lighting an electric menorah just doesn't cut it, so the pyros have an additional halachic excuse to do their thing this week. [Full article...]
By: Robin Treistman
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah


(Some traditional Hannukah Recipes):  A Byte of Hannukah

Tasty and oily Hannukah recipes are a must for this holiday. Try them out! Beteavon. [Full article...]
By:
Judaism > Holidays with a Twist > Chanukah
Judaism > Jewish Food


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