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Temple Beth El, Madison WI
Originally posted on Rabbi Jonathan's Rabbinical Blog

"Where are you on Christmas Day?"

8 Blogs for 8 Nights of Hanukkah Blog #1: Oil and the Secret of the Jew

For some children, finding out that the tooth fairy isn't real is the final straw.

Every Hanukkah, we thank God for the miracle of the season. But what was the miracle? Simply this: The Maccabees and their legacy survived.

In today’s world that doesn’t feel quite festive, can I get myself into a celebratory mood for Hanukkah?

Making sweaters is a complicated business. It’s hard to get a business off the ground. But one Jewish sweater maven managed to get it done.

Though our kids have a long list of things they want for Hanukkah, we try to navigate the week-long celebration, balancing gifts, donations, and experiences.

Hanukkah is a great holiday for plenty of reasons, not least of all for the celebrated eating of fried food and gambling with chocolate. If you’re looking to jazz up your Hanukkah a little more, we found eight fun and surprising hanukkiyot that can help kick your festivities up a notch.

What’s the big deal with those Hanukkah lights? Why do we burn ‘em for all of those nights? And why for eight nights, why not for seven? A gift on each night? Why not for eleven?