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Hanukkah
The festival of lights, as it is often called, is a celebration of both Jewish spiritual values and the triumph of the Jews over the armies of Antiochus IV.
984 Questions
How can you compare and contrast Christmas and Hanukah?
You can't. They are different holidays celebrated by different religions for different reasons and any similarities are purely coincidental.
What is chant for lighting menorah?
The 3 Hanukkah blessings are only for candle lighting, there are no others.
When you light the candles you say:
"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Shel Cha-nu-kah." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.)
You also recite:
"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem bi-zman ha-zeh." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.)
And on the first night only, you recite the prayer for a special occasion:
"Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man ha-zeh." (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)
How do you say Hanukkah in spanish?
It's the same in all languages. But in French, you wouldn't pronounce the 'H'.
Who celebrated the first Hanukkah and why?
Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews against the Assyrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE.
But no one knows who first celebrated the occasion as a holiday.
Answer:
The above answer contains three mistakes.
1) It's Syrian-Greeks, not "Assyrian-Greeks" (there's no such thing).
2) Yes, we know who made it a holiday (it was the Maccabees in conjunction with the current Torah-sages. See below).
3) Hanukkah chiefly commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory.
Here is the background:
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up sacrifices to the idol. One of the leading elder Jewish sages called upon the people to keep observing the Torah anyway; and if necessary, to use force in resisting the decrees. When a Hellenized Jew offered a sacrifice to the Greek idols in a nearby village, the sage killed him as well as the Greek overseer. This brought a violent reaction from the Greeks; and the loyal Jews, led by the Hasmonean family, were forced to retreat from their towns and strike out at the Greeks in an attempt to oust them from the Holy Land and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Torah-Jews were heavily outnumbered by the attacking Greek armies, but God gave them miraculous victories again and again. After three years of struggle, the Greek armies retreated from Jerusalem, and the Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) entered the Holy Temple which the Greeks had defiled, reconsecrated it to God, and began the Temple service once more. Among other things, they wanted to relight the olive oil candelabrum (Exodus ch. 25), but could only find one day's supply of undefiled oil - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence was still there. The Torah-community was overjoyed, because God's presence meant everything to them.
This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The eight-day rededication of the Temple is also mentioned in pre-Talmudic sources: Megillat Taanit (ch.9), the book of Maccabees (I, 4:56-59; and II, 1:18); and Josephus (Antiquities ch.12).
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
it begins on the 25th of Kislev, which usually falls in December on the western calendar.
Hanukkah is a holiday, while "kosher" is an adjective referring to food which is made in accordance with the Torah-rules for preparing food. Celebrating a "kosher" Hanukkah, it would mean that any foods served during the holiday were kosher.
A dreidel (Yiddish: דרײדל dreydl, Hebrew: סביבון Sevivon) is a four-sided spinning top, played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Many rabbis have tried to find a historical connection between the dreidel and the Hanukkah story.
One 19th century rabbi proposed that in Ancient times, Jews played with the dreidel in order to fool the Greeks if they were caught studying Torah, which had been outlawed.
The standard explanation is that the letters nun, gimmel, hey, shin, which appear on the dreidel in the Diaspora, stand for nes gadol haya sham--"a great miracle happened there,"while in Israel the dreidel says nun, gimmel, hey, pey, which means "a great miracle happened here."
Why was it necessary to have eight days of oil to purify the temple?
Those are two different subjects. The rededicating and purifying of the Temple took an unspecified amount of time - probably weeks, if not more. Some parts of the Temple (such as the large altar) had to be dismantled and removed (since the Syrian-Greeks had used them for idolatry), and new parts built in their place. The Hasmoneans (Maccabees) did all of this as speedily as possible.
One of the ceremonies in the Temple was the kindling of the Menorah every evening (Leviticus ch.24). Immediately upon re-entering the Temple, which they had retaken from the Syrian-Greeks, the Hasmoneans kindled the menorah. For this they needed olive oil which the Syrian-Greeks hadn't defiled. They found only one small cruse of this unsullied oil - enough for one evening (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). The eight days was the amount of time it took to press new oil from olives and transport it to the Temple. Miraculously, the one cruse which they did have, stayed alight for the whole eight days (Talmud, ibid).
This is a character from a Saturday Night Live sketch in 1989. It was a spoof of Santa, and has no basis in Judaism.
Because they want to learn about god.
It is a great place to learn about being a Christian.
People go to church
- because attendance is a duty or obligation of membership. (most churches)
- because attendance is an obligation to God , it a sin not to go (some churches)
- to see the other members, find out it they need anything
- to keep up with the the programs of the church
- for fellowship
- for intellectual stimulation
- to hear music and sing
- for spiritual guidance and comfort
- for religious instruction
- to be seen and perceived as a "good"l person
- to show off clothes and cars
- to show off wives and children
- by habit- they just do not feel right if they stay at home
- to make social and business contacts
- to hand deliver tithes and offering and save on postage.
Did the oil story of Hanukkah come from the Talmud?
No, it came from the actual event, which was later recorded in such early sources as Megillat Taanit (ch.9) and the Talmud (Shabbat 21b). For more:
What does a menorah symbolize?
The Menorah originated in the Temple (Exodus ch.25). It was a seven-branched oil lamp that was lit every afternoon in the Temple by a Kohen.
The Hanukkah-menorah which we use these days has eight branches for the eight candles of Hanukkah, plus one for the helper-candle which is used to light the other candles.
Answer:
The eight candles symbolize the eight days of the Hanukkah-miracle. The candelabra (menorah) with its candles symbolizes the menorah in the Temple (Exodus ch.25). Here is the background:
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up sacrifices to the idol. One of the leading elder Jewish sages called upon the people to keep observing the Torah anyway; and if necessary, to use force in resisting the decrees. When a Hellenized Jew offered a sacrifice to the Greek idols in a nearby village, the sage killed him as well as the Greek overseer. This brought a violent reaction from the Greeks; and the loyal Jews, led by the Hasmonean family, were forced to retreat from their towns and strike out at the Greeks in an attempt to oust them from the Holy Land and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Torah-Jews were heavily outnumbered by the attacking Greek armies, but God gave them miraculous victories again and again. After three years of struggle, the Greek armies retreated from Jerusalem, and the Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) entered the Holy Temple which the Greeks had defiled, reconsecrated it to God, and began the Temple service once more. Among other things, they wanted to relight the olive oil candelabrum (Exodus ch. 25), but could only find one day's supply of undefiled oil - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence was still there. The Torah-community was overjoyed, because God's presence meant everything to them.
This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
What are the historical people and events of Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews against the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE.
The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jews were victorious, against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation.
But a second miracle is more commonly known: A story in the Talmud (500 years later) tells of a legendary miracle. After the war, When the Jews returned to rededicate the Ancient Temple, they found that there was only enough oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for 1 day. It would take 8 days to make more of this special oil. So the lit the lamp, and it miraculously burned for 8 days, giving them plenty of time to make more oil to keep the lamp burning.
This second miracle is very popular with children. It is understood as a legend only, and appears to be the early Rabbis' attempt to add a spiritual level to the holiday.
Answer:The above answer is non-traditional. Our tradition is that the miracle of the oil did indeed occur and isn't just a legend. If it wasn't for the clear tradition of our Sages, Hanukkah would have been forgotten long ago. Moreover, on Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we also thank God during Hanukkah for the Hasmoneans' military victory (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple).The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah.
When they reached the Temple grounds and prepared to light the oil lamps of the Temple's menorah (Exodus ch.25), they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
The eight-day rededication of the Temple is also mentioned in the book of Maccabees (I, 4:36; and II, 1:18); and Josephus mentions the eight-day festival in Antiquities ch.12.
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
When do Jewish people visit temple during Hanukkah?
There are additional prayers (Hallel and Torah-reading) added to the weekday morning services, so the services will most likely start 15-20 minutes earlier than usual, or end 15-20 minutes later.
Note that religious Jews attend services every day of the year, not just during holidays. Less-religious Jews go to synagogue less often.
Where can one find Hanukkah candles?
Bed bath and beyond offers variety of Hanukkah candles which prices starts at $170.00. One can choose between Pastel Tulip Menorah and Petite Cylinder Menorah, both vary in price.
Answer:
Many grocery stores will have them. Specifically, if there's a Hebrew bookstore in your town, that's the best bet.
If you don't find Hanukkah candles, any candles may be used.
And by the way, why pay $170 for candles??
In Hanukkah what are the symbols of light?
Some very popular symbols are
- the Chanukkiyah (Hanukkah-menorah)
- the dreidel, with the hebrew letters × ×’ ×” ש
- a depiction of a cruse of oil
- Chocolate coins
- potato pancakes
- jelly donuts
The reason for the candles comes from a tradition recorded in the Talmud. During the re-dedication of the Temple after the successful Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy, the Jews found only enough ritually pure olive oil to light the Temple Menorah (a seven branched candle holder) for one day, but the supply miraculously lasted eight days until a new supply could be obtained.
Answer 2
The symbols are the menorah, and a cruse of oil, because the miracle occurred in the menorah of the Temple, which was lit with oil.
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up sacrifices to the idol. One of the leading elder Jewish sages called upon the people to keep observing the Torah anyway; and if necessary, to use force in resisting the decrees. When a Hellenized Jew offered a sacrifice to the Greek idols in a nearby village, the sage killed him as well as the Greek overseer. This brought a violent reaction from the Greeks; and the loyal Jews, led by the Hasmonean family, were forced to retreat from their towns and strike out at the Greeks in an attempt to oust them from the Holy Land and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Torah-Jews were heavily outnumbered by the attacking Greek armies, but God gave them miraculous victories again and again. After three years of struggle, the Greek armies retreated from Jerusalem, and the Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) entered the Holy Temple which the Greeks had defiled, reconsecrated it to God, and began the Temple service once more. Among other things, they wanted to relight the olive oil candelabrum (Exodus ch. 25), but could only find one day's supply of undefiled oil - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence was still there. The Torah-community was overjoyed, because God's presence meant everything to them.
This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Did Hanukkah begin traditions that are used in other cultures?
No, there is no evidence that that's ever happened. However, some say that the candle-lighting in Kwanzaa was borrowed from Hanukkah.
Is it acceptable to light a menorah any normal day not during the Eight Day Festival of Lights?
If it appears to be a Hanukkah-menorah, then (though it isn't technically a sin), it isn't acceptable, since it may look as if the person is adding other days to Hanukkah.
What does gift-giving in Hanukkah mean?
It means someone is imitating Christmas. It's not a traditional practice (other than the coins given to one's children).
How many candles are in the candelabrum?
If you are talking about Hanukkah, there are 9.
If you are talking about the menorah which was in the Holy Temple (Exodus ch.25), there were 7.
If you are talking about the kinara lit on Kwanzaa, there are 7.
If you are talking about some other kind of candelabrum, please specify.
