How to Celebrate Hanukkah

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By Bob Strauss
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Celebrate Hanukkah

Many folks, Jews and non-Jews alike, have come to think of Hanukkah as “Christmas Lite”—after all, both holidays take place at the same time of year, and involve feasting, decorating, and elaborate exchanges of presents. However, Hanukkah has its own set of ancient traditions and rituals that make it as different from Christmas as, well, Passover is different from Easter. Here’s how to observe this holiday in its own unique way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Latkes
Gift Bows
Gift Bags
Menorahs
Bookstore/music Gift Certificates
Candles
Matches
Gift Cards
Jelly Doughnuts
Tissue paper
Hanukkah Songbooks
Wrapping Paper
Gift Ribbons

Step 1

Know what you’re celebrating. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a band of Jewish warriors, the Maccabees, over the Syrian king Antiochus almost 2,500 years ago. After driving out the Syrians, the Maccabees reoccupied the Temple of Jerusalem, where they found enough oil to keep the all-important “Eternal Light” shining for only one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, hence the eight days of Hanukkah (which is derived from the Hebrew word for “rededication.”)
Step 2

Light a menorah. One of the symbols most closely associated with Judaism, the menorah is a nine-branched candelabra used during the eight days of Hanukkah. On Hanukkah eve, celebrants light a “shamash” (usually the extra candle in the middle of the menorah), then use this lit candle to light the first candle on the left. This ritual continues over the next eight days until all eight candles are lit.
Step 3

Sing some songs. There aren’t quite as many Hanukkah songs as there are Christmas carols, but you’ll be surprised by their variety. Probably the most famous (at least to non-Jews) is “I Have a Little Dreidel,” which is sung to accompany the dreidel game, a harmless game of chance in which kids win (or lose) candy by spinning an inscribed top.
Step 4

Fry up some latkes. Practically every Jewish holiday has its traditional food: hamentaschen (triangle-shaped cookies) on Purim, matzoh (unleavened bread) on Passover, and latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) on Hanukkah. As tasty as they are, latkes can be unhealthy to eat for eight consecutive days, so feel free to explore the rest of the Jewish cookbook (flanken, gefilte fish, etc.)
Step 5

Hand out presents. Here’s where Hanukkah is very different from Christmas: kids usually don’t receive one big “Hanukkah gift,” but eight small gifts bestowed over the course of the holiday. Because eight big gifts in a row are an expensive proposition, Hanukkah gifts are usually small, but fun—think toy soldiers, to commemorate the Maccabees, or even a plain old Slinky.

Comments

ragdoll2010 said

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on 11/2/2009 I'm writing a script for drama, and it takes place during the last day of hanukka. But the conflict is that the father mistakens an unwrapped gift in a cardboard box as trash, and throws it away. I was told this would be inaccurate, because all of the gifts are put by the fireplace at once. Where are the gifts placed, and are they simply presented? Or are they all in one spot for the child to see?

emcphe02 said

on 10/18/2009 but if you find a belief, and you know in your heart that it is definately true and that it's the path to true life, shouldnt you tell everyone about it?

mascheria said

on 12/23/2008 Great information , My mother takes in the holiday
out of respect and its always great to have ideas on how to make it a fun 8 days the family can enjoy