How to Celebrate Hanukkah

By Bob Strauss

Celebrate Hanukkah Celebrate Hanukkah

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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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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

Step1
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.”)
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.)
Step5
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.

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on 12/22/2006 The Christ our Lord was Hebrew (not roman). Christmas is pagan of Romanism. And it is also important that people know there is NO 'J" in the Hebrew Alphabet.
For more information go to CyberRev.Com Happy Hanukkah!

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on 11/22/2005 Dedicate each night to someone special. The first night is dedicated to my husband (because he taught me how to laugh). The second night is dedicated to my mom and dad, and so on.

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on 11/22/2005 Keep Hanukkah simple and meaningful. This event isn't like Christmas, which is so commercialized. Make your own traditions and link these traditions to feelings of love and friendship. And eat a lot of latkes.

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on 11/22/2005 Log on to Chanukah99.com for the most comprehensive virtual Hanukkah experience.

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eHow Article:  How to Celebrate Hanukkah

eHow Member: Bob Strauss

Bob Strauss

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Category: Food & Drink

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