Chanukah Sameach readers!!  In honor of the first night of Hanukkah, I want to give you a VIP tour through my favorite Jewish holiday.  If you did not read my post last year, here is the story of Hanukkah: The Jews were, at one time, oppressed by a Greek king; he killed Jews, outlawed their religion, and defiled the temple, their place of worship.  Despite their small number and “underdog” status, Judah Maccabees and his army were successful in their rebellion.  The temple was restored, and a celebration took place.  There was only enough oil to light the temple menorah for one night, but the lamp miraculously burned for eight straight nights.  That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Read or recite the following:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu, L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Sheh’asah nissim la’avoteinu, Ba-yam ha-heim, Ba-zman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’ki-y’manu, v’higiyanu, lazman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season  (“The Hanukkah Blessings”)

If you want help with pronunciation, follow along with this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fb-tkAet5A&list=PLcRF_zFl6hpHXnmP-CaCK2OO-3xfmm1kg

I hope you have enjoyed Hanukkah 101.  Now go make latkes and play dreidel.  Stay kosher readers!!  (See what I did there??)

– Lauren Michele :)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ”  – John 8:12

 

Works Cited:

Levin, Alex. Magnificent Light of Menorah. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.artlevin.com/page409.html&gt;.

“The Hanukkah Blessings.” myjewishlearning.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Hanukkah/At_Home/Candlelighting

/Blessings.shtml>.

 

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