Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, but it is equally the Festival of Oil. Every tradition, every celebratory dish, orbits around the central miracle of the cruse of oil that kept the Temple Menorah lit for eight days. In Ashkenazi homes, this edible commemoration is served as a salty, crisp Latke (potato pancake) or a…
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a perfect time for families to create warmth, share stories, and, most importantly, have fun! The holiday, which lasts for eight wonderful nights, offers a built-in schedule for engaging activities that connect children to Jewish tradition through creativity, light, and delicious food. Here is a guide to crafts, stories,…
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration centered on a miracle: a tiny cruse of oil, meant to last for just one day, burned brightly for eight. This ancient story of resourcefulness, endurance, and light over darkness offers a powerful framework for embracing modern sustainability. The Jewish concept of tikkun olam—the imperative to repair…
For much of the late 20th century, the American holiday landscape was dominated by Christmas in popular media. However, as cultural visibility and diversity have broadened, Hanukkah has steadily emerged from the shadows, claiming its own space in films, television, and music. These pop culture moments don’t just celebrate the Festival of Lights; they reflect…
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time of family, tradition, and—yes—gifts. While the miracle of the oil and the lighting of the menorah remain the central focus of the eight-night celebration, the custom of giving presents has become a joyful way to extend the holiday cheer. Unlike the single-day frenzy of Christmas, Hanukkah offers…
The Hanukkah menorah boasts Jewish culture and pride; it serves as the hallmark of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration. Lighting the menorah is a process beyond just an everyday getting up and lighting – it’s a reminder of symbolism, devotion, and illumination of spirit. Below, discover the Hanukkah menorah, what it symbolizes, the rituals involved with…
Dreidel is the game of Hanukkah— easy, fun, and all the enjoyable suspense that a family can have playing together in a ritualistic fashion. As long as you have a dreidel and some chips to play with, then you’re good to go! But what if you are looking for other games that possess the same…
There will be light, laughter and spinning this Hanukkah—and there’s no better way to bring people together than the dreidel game! Whether you gamble chocolate gelt, jelly beans, or your grandmother’s button collection, the dreidel game is easy to learn and even easier to play. Gather your loved ones, get a dreidel and spin away!…
What Is a Dreidel? A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side (Nun—נ, Gimel—ג, Hei—ה, and Shin—ש). Each letter stands for the acronym “Nes Gadol Haya Sham”—”A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, the Shin side is a Peh (פ) to say, “Nes Gadol Haya Po”—”A great miracle happened here.”…