Hanukah began yesterday, Thursday, December 7, 2023 and continues through Friday, December 15, 2023. The celebration of Hanukkah includes a variety of religious and nonreligious customs and joyous festivals.
One of the most important of all Hanukkah traditions is the lighting of the Menorah each evening. "Also known as the Hanukkah lamp, the menorah recalls the Temple lampstand and is
a simple or elaborate candelabra with eight branches plus a holder for the shammash (“servant”) candle that is used to light the other eight candles. One candle is lit on the first evening, and an additional candle is lit on each subsequent evening until eight candles are burning on the last evening."
Hanukkah is celebrated with nightly Menorah lighting, added liturgy and Psalms, oily food treats such as doughnuts and potato or cheese pancakes, and giving cash gifts (gelt).
- Menorah:
- The menorah is lit around each evening, a total of 8 nights of Hanukkah.
- Potato Pancakes (known as latkes)
- Donuts: Jam-filled donuts.
-Dreidels: Four-sided spinning tops
- Hanukkah Greetings
Happy Festival of Lights
"Chag urim sameach", which means "happy festival of lights."
Happy Holiday
"Chag sameach," which means "happy holiday," can be said on any holiday or festival.
Festivals For Joy
"Moadim l'simcha," which means "festivals for joy,"
"A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light." — Moshe Davis
Written and Submitted by GSSAgent#3013
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