Tag
Hanukkah
19 articles
Hanukkah Gift Ideas: A Guide for Eight Nights
From the traditional gelt to modern creative ideas, giving gifts on Hanukkah has become a beloved tradition — even though it was not always part of the holiday. Here is a guide to meaningful gift-giving for all eight nights.
Judaism and Gambling: Luck, Law, and the Dreidel Exception
The Talmud disqualifies a gambler from serving as a witness, yet Jews spin the dreidel every Hanukkah. Here's how Jewish tradition navigates the tension between chance, entertainment, and compulsive risk.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Eight nights of candles, latkes, and dreidels — the story and customs of the beloved winter holiday.
Hanukkah Songs: A Complete Guide to the Music of the Festival of Lights
From the ancient hymn Maoz Tzur to the children's favorite Dreidel Song — discover the melodies that make Hanukkah one of the most musical Jewish holidays.
Classic Latkes Recipe: Crispy Hanukkah Potato Pancakes
Crispy on the outside, tender inside — master the art of perfect latkes with this traditional recipe, served with applesauce and sour cream for the ultimate Hanukkah treat.
The Maccabees and the Hasmonean Era
The dramatic story of the Maccabean revolt against Greek oppression — from Mattathias's defiance to Judah Maccabee's victories, the Temple rededication, and the rise and fall of the Hasmonean dynasty.
The Menorah: Judaism's Oldest Symbol, from the Temple to the State of Israel
The seven-branched menorah is Judaism's most ancient symbol — described in Exodus, crafted for the Temple, carved on the Arch of Titus, and chosen as the emblem of the modern State of Israel. Its light has never gone out.
Hanukkah: The Complete Guide to the Festival of Lights
A comprehensive guide to Hanukkah — the history of the Maccabees, the miracle of oil, how to light the menorah, dreidel rules, latkes and sufganiyot, gift-giving, and deeper meaning.
The Dreidel: History & How to Play
The dreidel is the iconic spinning top of Hanukkah — with four Hebrew letters, a simple set of rules, and a history that connects Jewish resistance to modern celebration. Here's how to play.
Why Do Jews Celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean victory over Greek oppressors in 164 BCE and the miracle of one day's oil lasting eight days in the rededicated Temple.
Hanukkah vs Christmas: A Respectful Comparison of Two December Holidays
Hanukkah and Christmas both fall in December and involve lights and gifts — but that's where the similarities end. Here's a respectful, honest comparison of two very different holidays.
Sufganiyot Recipe: Israeli Jelly Donuts for Hanukkah
Light, pillowy, and bursting with jelly — master these Israeli Hanukkah doughnuts with step-by-step frying tips and modern filling variations from dulce de leche to halva cream.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah — buying a menorah, lighting candles in the right order, saying the blessings, playing dreidel, making latkes, and creating meaningful traditions for eight nights.
Hallel: The Psalms of Praise in Jewish Worship
Hallel — Psalms 113-118 — is the joyful collection of praise psalms chanted on Jewish holidays. Learn when full and half Hallel are recited, the Yom HaAtzmaut debate, and why these ancient songs still make congregations sing.
Tractate Shabbat: The Laws That Shape Jewish Rest
Tractate Shabbat derives 39 categories of forbidden work from the Tabernacle's construction, contains the laws of Hanukkah, and establishes the life-saving principle that overriding Shabbat to save a life is not just permitted — it is required.
Menorah Lighting: Laws, Customs, and the Light of Hanukkah
A comprehensive guide to the laws and customs of lighting the Hanukkah menorah, from the number of candles to placement, timing, blessings, and family traditions.
Adam Sandler: From Hanukkah Song to Hollywood Empire
Adam Sandler, raised in a Jewish family in New Hampshire, became one of Hollywood's biggest comedy stars and gave Jewish kids everywhere a Hanukkah anthem with his beloved novelty song.
Hanukkah Party Food: Fried, Festive, and Fabulous
Plan the ultimate Hanukkah party spread — from classic latkes and sufganiyot to modern twists on fried foods that celebrate the miracle of oil.
Jewish vs Christian Holidays: Shared Roots, Different Paths
Many Jewish and Christian holidays share historical roots but diverged dramatically in meaning. Passover and Easter, Hanukkah and Christmas, and other parallel celebrations reveal how two religions grew from a common trunk.