Happy Hanukkah

                           The word itself can be spelled many different ways but
                           the meaning is always the same. Hanukkah, also known as
                           the "Festival Of Lights" is a very old and time honored
                            tradition amongst the Jewish people all over the world.

                          Although the details of the celebrations may differ in
                          different cultures the rituals and symbols are very
                        much the same.

                       With a Menorah and candles this holiday is celebrated
                        over a period of 8 days during with prayers are said,
                       gifts are given and the candles are lit. This is a tradition
                         that spans over 2 millenia and is still going strong.

              About the Menorah
 

             To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah,
                or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah.
               It's usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are
               lit by a "Shamash" or service candle which then takes
           its own place at the center of the menorah.
             The menorah itself is placed in a window
             or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by.

                            
             Lighting the Menorah

                 On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle
                  (or oil wick) is lit on the far right side of the menorah.
                  A candle is added, from right to left, each night,
                and the newest candle is always lit first.
                  Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars
                 become visible in the night sky, but they can be lit late
                 into the night. While the candles are being lit and the
                blessing given, the whole family and any guests gather to
                witness the ceremony; everyone is encouraged to participate.
                 By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah
            makes a spectacular sight.
                 And as they did the previous evenings, the candles
                  will continue to shine until they burn themselves out.

                    The Dreidle

                          One of the well known symbols of Chanukahis the Dreidel.
                        A dreidel is a four sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side.

                     The four letters are:

                     SHIN, HEY, GIMEL, NUN

                        These letters mean "A Great Miracle Happened There."     

                   In Israel the dreidel differs in that their letters mean

                  " A Miracle Happened HERE!"

                                                    Chanukkah

                                                   The Menorah and the Lights

                                          Interactive Dreidle  (Flash Game)

                                          Chanukka "Latkes" (recipe)

                                                   A Hanukkah Celebration                                                                                                            

                                                                       May you be blessed with Joy,
                                                                 Good Health and Peace
                                                                                        Happy Hanukkah

                                                                                           ~ DStormMom ~

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