Holidays
CHANUKAH
CHANUKAH ~ DECEMBER 22 - 30, 2019
Chanukah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the chanukiyah a special menorah for Chanukah; foods prepared in oil including latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts); and special songs and games.
HOW TO LIGHT THE CHANUKIYAH:
Candles are added to the chanukiyah (menorah) from right to left but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first. (On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the chanukiyah before the Shabbat candles)
Light the shamash (the helper candle) first, using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights. As you do, say or sing:
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotzv v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Chanukah
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Chanukah lights
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v'imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz'man hazeh
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season
On the first night, we add:
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Haolam, shechecheyanu vi'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach the season
HOW TO MAKE LATKES:
ingredients: 2 large Russet potatoes 1 large onion peeled 2 large eggs 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp coarse kosher salt 1 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Safflower or other oil, for frying apple sauce or sour cream for serving.
Preparation: Using a food processor with a coarse grating disc, grate the potatoes and onion. Drain out the remaining liquid. Working quickly, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper, and mix thoroughly. In a heavy pan over medium-high heat, pour in about 1/4 inch of the oil. Once the oil is very hot, use a heaping tablespoon to drop the batter into the pan, cooking in batches. Use a spatula to flatten and shape the drops into discs. When the edges of the latkes are brown and crispy, about 5 minutes, flip. Cook until the second side is deeply browned, about another 5 minutes. Transfer the latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt while still warm.
HOW TO PLAY DREIDEL:
Playing dreidel is a Chanukah tradition. The dreidel, or in Hebrew, sevivon, means “to turn around.” The four letters on the dreidel, stand for the saying, Nes Gadol Haya Sham, meaning A Great Miracle Happened There.
Basic Rules: 1. Each player begins the game with gelt or coins (or m&m’s, cheerios, etc.). 2 Before starting, each player puts one “coin” into the center “pot.” This is done again every time the pot becomes empty. 3. Decide on a player to go first and move clockwise around the circle. 4. Each player gets one turn to spin the dreidel. 5. Depending on what side is facing up, follow these rules: Nun: Nothing - player does nothing Gimel: Get - player gets everything in pot Hey: Half - player gets half of the pot (odd, round up) Shin: Put in - the player puts one coin in pot 6. When one player has won everything, the game is over.
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How to Play Dreidel: Playing dreidel is a Chanukah tradition. The dreidel, or in Hebrew, sevivon, means “to turn around.” The four letters on the dreidel, stand for the saying, Nes Gadol Haya Sham, meaning A Great Miracle Happened There. Basic Rules: 1 Each player begins the game with gelt or coins (or m&m’s, cheerios, etc.). 2 Before starting, each player puts one “coin” into the center “pot.” This is done again every time the pot becomes empty. 3. Decide on a player to go first and move clockwise around the circle. 4. Each player gets one turn to spin the dreidel. 5. Depending on what side is facing up, follow these rules: Nun: Nothing - player does nothing Gimel: Get - player gets everything in pot Hey: Half - player gets half of the pot (odd, round up) Shin: Put in - the player puts one coin in pot 6. When one player has won everything, the game is over.
CLICK HERE for 8 Social Justice Gifts to Make the World a Better Place This Chanukah