All About Hanukkah

This year, Hanukkah starts on December 25. Find prayers, recipes, history and customs of this festive, eight-day celebration.

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This Week's Torah Portion

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This Week's Torah Portion

Vayishlach
וַיִּשְׁלַח
[Jacob] Sent

Jacob now sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, in the countryside of Edom. - Genesis 32:4

Torah

Genesis 32:4−36:43

Haftarah

Hosea 11:7-12:12 [historic: Obadiah 1:1-21]

When

/ 13 Kislev 5785

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At the URJ's 14 regional and specialty camps, young people learn invaluable skills while having an unforgettable time, all inspired by Reform Jewish values.

What's New

Proud JEWS

Right before Sukkot, I noticed the word "JEW" carved into my sidewalk. I began to grind out the word, but rather decided to replace the space by adding "Proud JEWs" to the sidewalk.

Broadcasting the Miracle of Fat Liberation

At Fat Torah, Hanukkah is our favorite holiday. Hanukkah in particular is a holiday that celebrates fat. On Hanukkah, we remember that miraculous oil that was meant to only last for one day and ended up lighting the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem for eight days. Eating foods fried in oil, in fat, is a key part of this commemoration.

Winterfaith

"Winterfaith" seems a much more apt description for me than "interfaith." We're not observing two religions; I was raised Jewish, and my partner was not. Together, we are raising our children as Jewish campers, and even after 15+ years of our relationship, 11 of which with at least one child, the winter holidays are when our "interfaith" background proves to be the most challenging.

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Explore Upcoming Jewish Holidays

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Hanukkah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, is a festive eight-day celebration that for many people falls during the darkest, coldest season of
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Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. The main communal celebration involves a public reading—usually in the