Celebrate Freedom and Light -A Guide to Celebrating Hanukkah

Light and Peace-A Guide to Celebrate Hanukkah

Tell this child friendly version of the Hanukkah story to any generation 

Once upon a time, long long ago, the land of Israel was ruled by a king named Antiochus.

Sadly King Antiochus did not want a nation of many religions and many cultures. What he believed and attempted to create was one nation with one religion and one culture. He thought all the people of this land should live, pray and show faith in his way. His way was based upon Greek customs and foods, and all prayers and otherwise were forbidden.

But King Antiochus had come to rule a land where many Jewish families lived. Just as we each live our lives according to our customs and traditions today, these Jewish families lived then according to theirs. Jewish people worshiped at the ancient Temple in the city of Jerusalem. This Temple was the holiest of holy places, the center of Jewish life.

Just imagine how these families felt? King Antiochus forbade them to celebrate and honor the customs of their people. There were new laws which made it a crime to eat, read or study what they had always believed in. To make it even more difficult, Antiochus stopped them from worshipping in their Temple, eradicating their direct line to practicing faith. It is said that he made a big mess of the Temple and placed idols to Greek Gods inside. Out of fear, many of them followed his orders. However, a group called the Maccabees (led by a man named Judah) were determined to take back their Temple in order to regain their people's freedoms.

The Maccabees were very few in comparison to the King's army. But they were fiercely determined and did not give up. They had a strong spirit and commitment. Faith was on their side. In the end, they finally defeated the King's army.

When they saw how badly their temple had been treated they set to work cleaning it up and poured forth love into recreating a glorious temple. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, they had a very special rededication ceremony.

Hanukkah actually means dedication and is directly linked to this event in history, when the Temple was gloriously given back to the Jewish people.

Hanukkah is often called the festival of lights because when the Maccabees returned to the Temple there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one day but miraculously, that small exact measure of oil lasted for eight days which was exactly how long it took to get new oil.

To celebrate this miracle brought forth through the work of the dedicated and faithful, families today light a candle every night for eight nights. The foods we eat are fried in oil (typically potato latkes and jelly donuts). A game that is traditionally played is called Dreidel. It is a spinning top that symbolizes this time with the letters printed on each side Nes Gadol Haya Sham: A Great Miracle Happened There. 

If you will be celebrating Hanukkah this year remember the message with each candle you light, that we must all individually (and as one for all), can and should always try to find light within darkness, and always honor the freedom for others to peacefully live and worship as well.



Spinning the Dreidel is a simple and fun way to celebrate Hanukkah

You will just need one Dreidel and some real or chocolate covered coins (gelt)

1. Each person receives the same amount.

2. Then each takes turns spinning the Dreidel.

3. Each side contains a symbol which represents what that player must do on that turn.

Nun-Do Nothing

Shin-Give all your coins to the center (pot)

Hay-Take half

Gimmel-Take all coins from the center (pot)



Eat Classic Potato Latkes-recipe

1 potato for each serving needed

1 large onion

2 eggs

Salt and pepper

1-Grate Potatoes

2-Mince Onions or chop in food processor

3. Remove all excess liquid from the potatoes by wringing in a cheese cloth, clean dry dish towel or simply squeezing by the handful

4. Mix potatoes, onions and eggs together

5. Form patties about ¼ inch thick

6. Fry until golden brown, about 8 minutes on each side on medium heat after heating oil

Light the Menorah-Celebrate the Light

The first night the center candle is lit, along with the first candle on the left side of the Menorah. Each night another candle is lit from left to right, always starting with the center candle called the Shamesh-symbolizing the original oil- until on the 8th night all 8 candles are lit.

To find out more information about the traditional blessings, songs and more visit any Judaica site, such as this one. http://www.jewfaq.org/chanukahref.htm