Chanukah

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5 Surprising Facts About Hanukkah You May Not Know

We’re all in need of some miracles right about now, wouldn’t you agree? Fortunately, Hanukkah is just around the corner!

https://www.kveller.com/5-surprising-facts-about-hanukkah-you-may-not-know/?

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History and Meaning of Dreidels: 8 Interesting Facts

Dreidels are a beloved part of Hanukkah celebrations the world over. And they're far from being simple playthings; dreidels symbolize deep spiritual concepts and have a fascinating history. Here are 8 little-known facts about them.

https://aish.com/history-and-meaning-of-dreidels-8-interesting-facts/?

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Hanukkah, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and the Apocrypha

Every year, Jewish families the world over  celebrate the festival of Hanukkah. And how dramatic it is: Just as the nights are starting earlier and earlier, and just as it is getting colder and colder, Jewish families gather in their own homes, light candles, and watch them burn in commemoration of extraordinary events that occurred long ago. No wonder the ritual is so popular. Fortunately, the most central, beloved ritual of this holiday—lighting that special lamp with nine candles—is rather amenable to the COVID-19 era.

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/hanukah-maccabees-and-apocrypha/?

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11 Facts About Antiochus Every Jew Should Know

Antiochus was the evil king who oppressed the Jews and defiled the Temple in the Chanukah story. The Maccabees defeated his armies, and proceeded to clean the Temple and light the menorah, which famously burned for eight days. Want to know more? Read on to discover 11 facts about this infamous Chanukah figure.

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/6197569/jewish/11-Facts-About-Antiochus-Every-Jew-Should-Know.htm

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Hanukkah: 8 Short Insights for 8 Nights

An easy way to share the Hanukkah story and its relevant lessons with your family and friends during the eight nights of the Festival of Lights.

https://aish.com/hanukkah-8-short-insights-for-8-nights/?

ps: Happy Chanukah

[phkrause]

Hanukkah, explained

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is an ancient tradition commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 164 BCE. Its central symbol—the candlelit menorah—represents a miracle in which the short supply of oil in the lamp of the newly dedicated temple burned for eight nights instead of just one.

 

The event is timed according to the lunar-based Hebrew calendar, usually falling sometime between late November and late December, and it lasts for eight days. The nightly ritual of lighting the menorah—the nine-armed candelabra representing the miracle of the oil—is the most important component of celebrating Hanukkah. 

 

Each night, a blessing is recited, and an additional candle is lit. While giving children a few coins, or gelt, has long been a part of Hanukkah, the tradition for many American Jews has evolved to be more similar to Christmas celebrations. Now, many children receive small gifts each night, with a larger present on the final evening.

... Read what else we learned about Hanukkah here. (Next Sunday, we'll cover Christmas.)

 

Also, check out ... 

> Hanukkah wasn't traditionally a major Jewish holiday, but American Jews helped evolve it. (Read)

> Different countries have their own unique Hanukkah celebrations. (Read)

> A guide to Hanukkah specials in popular culture. (Read)

> Cheese, the lesser-known Hanukkah culinary tradition. (Read)

 

Hanukkah’s Three Lights of Courage

As Jews everywhere seek strength and meaning, Hanukkah offers three lasting kinds of Jewish bravery that are especially resonant today.

https://aish.com/hanukkahs-three-lights-of-courage/?

 

? Pic du jour

Photo: Annabelle Gordon/Reuters Hanukkah began at sundown. Above, Rabbi Levi Shemtov speaks yesterday during the National Hanukkah Menorah lighting ceremony on the Ellipse, near the White House. Hanukkah history.