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How to Light the Menorah (and Other Hanukkah Videos)
Learn how to light the menorah, make delicious recipes, and much more!
Hanukkah
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 the year.
What is Hanukkah?
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 the year. Also called the Festival of Lights, the holiday brings light, joy, and warmth to our homes and communities as we celebrate with candles, food, family, and friends. Light comes literally, with the lighting of an additional candle each day, and metaphorically, through a newer emphasis on charitable donations and a commitment to during the holiday. Hanukkah (alternately spelled Chanukah), meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates the victory of a small group of Jewish rebels (led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, collectively known as “the ”) over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem. Modern celebrations of Hanukkah focus on family and friends and include the lighting of the Hanukkah (also called a ); singing and playing special songs and games (); and eating foods prepared in oil including , , bimuelos (fried dough puffs) and keftes de prasas (leek patties).
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How to Play Dreidel
Dreidel is the traditional game played to celebrate Hanukkah. Read this handy guide, which includes an alternative style of play and other fun ideas.
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Classic Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
Latkes are traditionally served for Hanukkah because they are cooked in oil (to commemorate the vial of oil lasting for 8 days).
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9 Hanukkah Customs From Around the World
Nine countries around the world that offer unique traditions you can use to spice up your Hanukkah celebrations.
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Celebrate Hanukkah with a Free Activity Book!
These resources will provide kids with hours of entertainment and help them learn about the story and rituals of Hanukkah.
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Send Hanukkah Greetings
Create free ecards to send to friends and family -- and add a recipe, video, or blessing -- to wish them a joyous Hanukkah.
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Social Justice
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Ner Shel Tzedakah: Candle of Righteousness
Hanukkah can be a time for us to rededicate ourselves to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repair of the world.
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A Social Justice Gift Guide for Hanukkah
In search of a unique Hanukkah gift for the social justice hero in your life? Look no further than this guide for all your gift-giving needs.
What's New
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Being the “Jewish Influencer” in My Family
Being the Jewish part of an interfaith family isn't without its challenges. Especially when, like me, being the Jewish influence in my family is because I converted after I was married.
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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.
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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.