In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it "Christmas" and went to church; the Jews called it "Hanukka" and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Hanukka!" or (to the atheists) "Look out for the wall!" ~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~Chinese Proverb.
Kindle the taper like the steadfast star. Ablaze on evening's forehead o'er the earth, and add each night a lustre till afar. An eightfold splendor shine above thy hearth.
Each year, Jews light candles in their hanukkiot (Hanukkah menorahs) to symbolize the miracle. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is placed in the menorah. On each successive night, another candle is added. By the last night of Hanukkah, eight candles are glowing brightly in celebration of this beautiful festival.
Christmas brings enormous electric bills. Candles are used for Hanukkah. Not only are we spared enormous electric bills, but we get to feel good about not contributing to the energy crisis.
Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukah lights.
At the time of the rededication, there was just one day’s worth of pure oil left that was needed to keep the Temple menorah burning. But tradition says a great miracle happened: It lasted for eight days.
A little light goes a long way. The Chanukah candles are lit when dusk is falling. Perched in the doorway, they serve as a beacon for the darkening streets. No matter how dark it is outside, a candle of G‑dly goodness can transform the darkness itself into light.
On Hanukkah, the first dark night, light yourself a candle bright. I'll you, if you will me invite, to dance within that gentle light.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BCE after the Temple had been profaned by the Hellenistic Emperor Antiochus IV.
Always increase in matters of goodness and Torah-observance. Sure, a single flame was good enough for yesterday, but today needs to be even better.
May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind. ~Author Unknown.
As a non-Jewish parent who wants to learn more, I turned to two of my favorite sources — one for a kid-friendly version and the other for grown-ups.
My daughter attends a Jewish daycare. This is helpful for me to be respectful and observe in our home as well which makes her very happy.
I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. ~Jewish Proverb.
Hanukkah is a different matter. Many of us aren’t even sure how to spell it (it also goes by Chanukah) or when it is (the date varies every year; this year it’s celebrated tonight through Dec. 28.).
Never be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Judah Maccabee and his band faced daunting odds, but that didn’t stop them. With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives—and won. We can do the same.
Blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame. Blessed is the flame that burns in the secret fastness of the heart.
I didn’t realize that until one of our first family holiday seasons, when my husband and I began talking about how to approach sharing our Hanukkah and Christmas traditions. We were preempted by our 2-year-old who announced she’d learned about Santa the previous October.
“You tried to make it sound innocent,” Tamblyn wrote in an open letter to the actor published by Teen Vogue. “This is something predatory men like to do, I’ve noticed. Make it sound innocent. Just a dollop of insinuation. Just a hair of persuasion. Just a pinch of suggestion.”
And whether you are observant or not, tonight is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for all of life’s miracles. What’s miraculous in your life? Tell us in the comments below!
Don't be ashamed to perform mitzvahs, even if you will feel different. Rather, be like a menorah, proudly proclaiming its radiant uniqueness for all to see.
There is two many different stories being told and it just makes it confusing. I find the reading very interesting but confusing.
With a prayer on their lips and faith in their heart, they entered the battle of their lives—and won. We can do the same.
Take it to the streets. Chanukah is unique in that its primary mitzvah is observed in public. It’s not enough to be a Jew at heart, or even at home. Chanukah teaches us to shine outwards into our surroundings with the G‑dly glow of mitzvahs.
American children learn about Christmas traditions through, if by no other means, osmosis.
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).
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