Category: Hanukkah

The Art of Assimilating Wisely

Hanukkah—when we read about the Maccabees resisting assimilation and Joseph embracing it—is a time to look at the art of assimilation wisely.

Rabbi David Baum December 14, 2023 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

Elevating in Sanctity

Elevating in sanctity the celebration of Hanukah, means lighting one more candle each night. What else can we learn from this?

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein December 8, 2023 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

My Good Mensches, We Are Modern Maccabees

We are the Maccabees of our modern time and we have the responsibility to keep the Ner Tamid lit for another generation.

Andi Kahclamat November 28, 2023 #beamaccabee Hanukkah

Jewish Pride Guides My Actions

From a love of Judaism and Jewish history, my Jewish pride guides my actions, both public and private, and defines my sense of self.

Valerie S. Thaler, Ph.D. November 28, 2023 #beamaccabee Hanukkah

What is Healthy Jewish Pride?

What is healthy Jewish pride? While exploring the past, present, and future of Chanukah, Rabbi Bernat-Kunin proposes a new home ritual.

Rabbi Gordon Bernat-Kunin, PhD May 10, 2023 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

Miracles: The Power of One Letter

Conservative/Masorti prayer books include the Hebrew letter "vav" in the blessing for the miracle of Hanukkah. What is its secret?

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal December 21, 2022 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections

DIY Hanukkah and the Potato Menorah

DIY Hanukkah: My custom of making a potato menorah and why DIY Judaica can provide a crucial connection to Judaism.

Emily Jaeger December 11, 2022 Food Hanukkah

Liturgical Changes on Hanukkah

Liturgy on Hanukkah includes Hallel and additions to the Amidah. There are also special Torah readings, maftirs, and haftarot.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 8, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Songs for Hanukkah

Hanukkah songs include those that follow candle lighting, as well as S'vivon sov sov sov, Hanukkah O'Hanukkah, and Neir Li.

Reena Bromberg Gaber December 6, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

What is The Menorah?

The central mitzvah of Ḥanukkah is the lighting of the menorah at home and in the synagogue. This brings light to the darker winter months. ...

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 6, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Customs for Hanukkah

Beyond lighting the menorah, Hanukkah customs include special foods, the dreidel and gift-giving, especially when spending time with family.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 6, 2022 Food Hanukkah

How to light the Hanukkah Candles

Read here for the procedure for lighting candles for Hanukkah. This includes the blessings, song ideas, and order for lighting candles.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) December 5, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays

Hanukkah: History and Context

What is Hanukkah's historical context? What does it actually commemorate? Who was Judah and the Maccabees?

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) November 30, 2022 Hanukkah Holidays