Tag

Menorah

12 articles

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Collecting Jewish Art and Judaica: A Guide for Beginners

From antique menorot and silver spice boxes to Israeli paintings and illuminated ketubot, Jewish art and Judaica collecting is a rich world where aesthetics, history, and spirituality intersect. Here's how to start — and what to watch out for.

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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.

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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.

hanukkahmenorahcandles
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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.

HanukkahMaccabeesmenorah
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Jewish Symbols: A Complete Visual Guide

Ten essential Jewish symbols explained — Star of David, Menorah, Hamsa, Chai, Tree of Life, Lion of Judah, Tablets, Pomegranate, Dove, and Shofar, each with history, meaning, and significance.

symbolsstar-of-davidmenorah
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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.

Hanukkahmenorahcandles
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Parashat Terumah: Building God's Dwelling Place in the Desert

Parashat Terumah details God's blueprint for the Mishkan — the portable sanctuary in the wilderness — including the Ark of the Covenant, the golden Menorah, the showbread table, and the curtains of fine linen.

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Parashat Behaalotecha: The Menorah, Complaints, and Miriam's Punishment

Parashat Behaalotecha covers the lighting of the Menorah, the second Passover for those who missed the first, the people's relentless complaints in the wilderness, the quail plague, and Miriam's punishment for speaking against Moses.

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Jewish Symbols: The Complete Encyclopedia — Every Symbol, Its History, and Its Meaning

From the Star of David to the Menorah to the Hamsa, Jewish symbols carry millennia of meaning. This complete encyclopedia covers every major Jewish symbol — its origin, its history, its spiritual significance, and how it's used today.

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What Do Jewish Symbols Mean? A Complete Guide

What does the Star of David really mean? Is the menorah the oldest Jewish symbol? Why is 18 lucky? An FAQ-style guide to every major Jewish symbol and its surprising history.

symbolsStar of Davidmenorah
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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.

menorahhanukkahcandle-lighting
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Chanukiah vs. Menorah: Understanding the Difference

The difference between the chanukiah (nine-branched Chanukah candelabrum) and the menorah (seven-branched Temple candelabrum), their histories, halakhic requirements, and artistic traditions.

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