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Habari Gani? How My Family is Melding Kwanzaa and Hanukkah Customs
As we each shared some favorite holiday memories, my partner asked, “So what does each candle of Hanukkah symbolize?” Puzzled, I asked him to explain what he meant. “You know, like for Kwanzaa.”
Hanukkah: From Battleground to Festival of Lights
The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication” and refers to the joyous eight-day celebration through which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and “rededication” of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah Stories: The Miracle of the Expanding Oil
One of the most delightful aspects of Hanukkah is observing its central mitzvah: lighting Hanukkah candles and saying the accompanying blessings. The commandment was sparked by an event that took in the 2nd century BCE.
Teach (and Practice) a New Jewish Value Each Night of Hanukkah
Assign a different Jewish value each one day of Hanukkah and plan appropriate activities for your family. The idea of activities is not simply doing for doing’s sake, but doing for the sake of learning. Be sure to reflect and talk afterward!
A Brief History of Latkes: Why We Really Eat Them on Hanukkah
So you think you know why we eat latkes for Hanukkah? The miracle of the oil lasting for eight days instead of one, right? Maybe. Did that really happen or did we need it to happen?
Black Friday
On "Black Friday," I went to the mall, and for the first time since my conversion many years ago, I felt an empty pit in my stomach.
Hanukkah Matters
On Wednesday morning, as the Jews of America prepared for the beginning of the holiday that evening, the New York Times published on its op-ed page a rant written by Howard Jacobson.
Fun-to-Make Hanukkah Lanterns
Celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with hanging and tabletop lanterns. Here are two fun and easy activities to do by yourself or with your family. Perhaps you'll create a new Hanukkah tradition!
How Fair Trade Gelt Embodies Hanukkah's Message
The complex flavor profiles of sumptuous chocolate have finally made it to Hanukkah gelt (traditionally coins given as Hanukkah gifts, but used here to describe foil-wrapped chocolate coins associated with the holiday).
10 Things to Know About Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights
Is it Chanukkah or Hanukkah? What’s with the jelly donuts? Why eight nights? And more.