Why do some people write Hanukkah while others say Chanukah - These are two different English spellings and both are correct. The Hebrew word for the festival of lights, Hanukkah Chanukah, consists of five Hebrew characters opening with the consonant het. This letter is not the same as the English letter "h". It is also not the same as "ch". It is a Hebrew guttural sound that has no precise equivalent in English.
What does Hanukkah Mean - Chanukah or Hanukkah is the Hebrew term for reHanukkah.
When Does Hanukkah Begin - Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar, November and December. It is celebrated for eight days in honor of the Jewish victory and the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days to rededicate the temple.
What is a Menorah - A Menorah is a very special arrangement of nine candles. Eight of the candles are for each night of Chanukah, and the highest candle, known as the Shamash or "servant", is used to light the other candles. On the first night of Chanukah one light is lit and this continues for eight days until all eight are shining brightly. This reminds the people of the Miracle that happened so long ago. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. Special blessings are recited each night before the lights are lit.
What is a Dreidel - A Dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. In America the letters stand for "A Great Miracle Happened There". In Israel the letters mean "A Miracle Happened Here". The Dreidel game is played by giving each player a number of coins or candy pieces. Before spinning the Dreidel, each player puts a fixed proportion of the amount of coins received into the "Kupah" or kitty. Each player in turn spins the Dreidel. When the Dreidel falls, it will fall on one of the 4 letters. According to the letter, the following will happen: (a) Nun - no win / no lose; (b) Gimmel - take all (from the kitty); (c) Heh - take half (from the kitty); or (d) Peh or Shin - lose (what you deposited). The game continues until players run out of 'funds' or agree to stop (anyone losing all funds is out of the game).
The Menorah - Candles are lit on a menorah, or Chanukiah, in Hebrew. A kosher menorah must have space for eight candles all lined up in a straight row. All eight candles must have the same height. A ninth, extra, space must be raised above the other eight candle branches. Jews light the Hanukah menorah in memory of the Menorah which was used in the Temple. The Temple's Menorah was made from one piece of gold. Each of its seven branches, representing the days of the week, were topped by a container that held the oil that fueled the flames.
Pirsumai Nisa - In order to fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the menorah, which means to publicize the miracle of Hanukah, Jewish families place their menorahs in front of a clearly visible window. If possible, it is preferable to put the menorah outside in front of the left side of the door. This is so people who see the menorah and its burning candles will remember and talk about the great miracle of Hanukah. In Israel, many homes are built with cut-outs in the wall next to the front door. These "cubbies" have glass covers to keep out wind and rain. All who pass by and see the flickering lights should remember and talk about the miracle of Hanukah.
The Christmas Dilemma - It is nearly impossible to think about Hanukah in America without feeling overshadowed by Christmas decorations and merchandising, most of which start well before Thanksgiving. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. The songs are on the radio, the stores are brightly decorated, the streets are lit and trees are strung with white lights. Everywhere you look it is Christmas. Even little children know it’s Christmas when their favorite TV characters begin starring in their own Christmas specials. How are you supposed to explain it to your children? Children are the advertisers best audience and they definitely get the message. Let them know that they can appreciate and enjoy the commercialism of Christmas, but that we have our own special holidays to celebrate. In Israel, Hanukah is the most prominent holiday that is celebrated.
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