This year, the eight days of Chanukah are Sunday, December 22, 2019 (beginning at sundown) through Monday, December 30, 2019.
Remember to light the candles every night!
Chanukah, the ‘Festival of Lights,’ is a celebration of a great miracle that followed the Jewish soldiers’ victory over the Greek army when they rushed to the Holy Temple, cleared it of Greek idols and searches for pure oil to light the Menorah. They found a jar with enough oil for one day, yet it miraculously burned for eight days, representing the victory of a small, beleaguered nation over her powerful oppressors. In lighting the menorah, we rejoice in the triumph of freedom over tyranny, goodness over evil, right over might and light over darkness. Each year as we celebrate this holiday and kindle our menorah, we add more light to the world.
One candle can ignite thousands more without being diminished in the slightest.
In the time of King Antiochus, the fate of the Jewish people seemed grim indeed. The vastly outnumbered Maccabees were up against the world’s most sophisticated military machine. They faced opposition from within, as well. Many of their brethren were meek, complacent and all too willing to forsake their heritage and assimilate into the Hellenistic culture. It was the proverbial “darkest hour before the dawn.” Yet, sure enough, with the dawn came the miraculous, unprecedented victory. With G-d’s help and against all odds, the Maccabees were able to reclaim the Holy Land and rededicate the Holy Temple.
Throughout the ages, Hanukah has signified the miraculous triumph of the weak over the strong, the pure over the impure, the righteous over the wicked. Whenever the integrity of the Jewish people is under siege, no matter how dark the night, the Chanukah lights proclaim with confidence that the dawn of deliverance is near.
Customs and Celebrations
Light the Menorah with the whole family! Use olive oil or candles large enough to burn until a half an hour after nightfall. Beginning with one, and add a candle until the eighth night, when the entire Menorah is lit.
The Menorah is lit either in the doorway or in a front window so that itcan be seen outside in the street. This teaches that it is not enough to bring light into our own private domain; we must spread the light and warmth of Torah and observance of Mitsvot, G-d’s commandments, to the outer environment as well, as far as our influence can reach.
Each night of Chanukah, we add another light to the menorah, until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. This signifies that in matters of holiness, we must always be on the increase. With every added flame, we go from strength to strength in deepening our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life.
The Chanukah Menorah is lit only after nightfall. This signifies that our purpose is to illuminate the darkness of this world until the time when, as the Prophet says, “the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d.” It may be difficult for us to perceive G-dliness in our everyday lives, but Chanukah reminds us, even in our darkest moments, that the light of knowledge can shine brightly, that redemption is at hand if we will kindle just one more lamp.
Chanukah Gelt (Money) for the Kids!
One of the meanings of the word Chanukah is “education.’’ We give Chanukah Gelt to children to teach them to increase in charity and good deeds. We reward them for exemplary behavior such as diligence in their studies and acts of charity. Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children’s happiness and festive spirit.
You can also play Dreidel! The Dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, also called a S’vivon, in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: “Nun,” “Gimmel,” “Hay” and “Shin.” The letters stand for the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” or “A great miracle happened there.” It is traditionally used to play a lively Chanukah game and to recall the Greek oppression when they forbade Torah study. Whenever a Greek soldier approached, the children would put away their scrolls and take out tops to play.
Eat donuts and latkes and other foods fried in oil to remember the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.
The Ultimate Miracle
Today, the Chanukah lights have special relevance. Many among us despair of ever witnessing the dawn of redemption. After nearly two thousand years, it may seem that the cold, hard realities of exile have all but erased our age-old faith in the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us toward a perfect world. However, Chanukah reminds us that G-d grants redemption in the blink of an eye, that the light of G-dliness can brighten even the darkest night.
We wish you a happy Chanukah. May this Festival of Lights bring blessings upon you and all your loved ones for happiness and for health, peace and security in Israel and usher in a better world for all of humankind.
Channukah Latka Recipe:
Ingredients:
• ½ an onion
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1.5 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup flour
• Oil for frying
Directions:
1. Dice the onion and sauté it in 2 tbsp. oil and 1 tsp. salt until golden.
2. Grate the potatoes (by hand or in a food processor). Immediately transfer the grated potato to a bowl of cold water.
3. Place the eggs, flour, fried onion and 2 tsp. salt in a separate bowl. Drain the grated potato well. Add it to the rest of the ingredients and mix immediately.
4. Heat 2-4 tbsp. of oil in a frying pan, over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture into the pan. When the oil sizzles upon contact, it is ready.
5. For uniform latkes, use a 1/4 or 1/8 cup measuring cup. Scoop the batter and gently drop it into the oil. Press down gently with the back of the measuring cup to flatten. Fry 2-3 minutes until golden, then flip the latkes and fry 1-2 minutes on the second side. Repeat until all the mixture has been fried. (You will need to add more oil to the pan every couple of batches.)
Yields: 16 latkes
For more information, contact:,
Rabbi David Laine, Director
Chabad Vocational Schools
Tel: 718-773-5875 fax: 718-493-8692
cvsisrael@aol.com
