Happy Jewish Gifter » Hanukkah

Brief History of Hanukkah

Expert Shopper — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:01:59 +0000

Jason's Miracle: A Hanukkah Story

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $14.99

Amazon Price: $14.99

Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word meaning dedication. The history of Hanukkah begins with Alexander the Great who, after conquering Syria, Egypt and Judea, allowed all people to continue to observe their chosen religions. It wasnít until later that the successor of Alexander the Great, Antiochus IV, caused a great upheaval in among the Jewish population.

Under the reign of Antiochus, the Jewish people were required to worship Greek Gods. In 165 BCE, Judahís son Maccabee decided to rebel against this law and formed a crusade against Antiochus. Having defeated the Greek Army, Maccabee and his allies found a sacred temple which had been left in ruins as a result of Antiochusí army, and they restored the temple to its former glory.

Thus, on the 25th day of Kislev, they dedicated the temple by lighting a restored Menorah. Although they were only able to find enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, a miracle occurred in which the Menorah stayed lit for eight days.

Thus, the Festival of Lights was born to commemorate that day in the temple when the miracle of the Menorah first occurred. All Jews celebrate the miracle of the oil by placing eight candles in the Menorah and lighting one candle on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.

Although not considered a holy day, Hanukkah is nevertheless celebrated by Jews around the world in observance of the miracle of the oil that occurred in the temple. Hanukkah traditionally begins on the 22nd of December and ends on the 31st of December.

Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from The Jewish Museum: A Catalogue Raisonne (Published in Association with the Jewish Museum, New York)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $125.00

Amazon Price: $125.00

Research also reveals that there are two types of Menorahs: one is 7-branched and one is 8-branched. There was a prohibition against the use of a 7-branched Menorah similar to the one used in the original temple.

The Chanukah (another way of spelling Hanukkah) Menorah has a place for eight candles as well as a ninth candle set apart from the rest. It is said that the eight candles commemorate the miracle of the oil while the ninth candle, the Shamash, symbolizes light.

what is the prayer that you recite while lighting the menorah candles? ?

Expert Shopper — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:13:38 +0000

mimi asked:

my brother just got a foster child to live with him, hes six and loves hanukkah! we have decorations, a menorah, gifts of course, and i looked up what foods to make. we want to light the candles for him and say the prayer, but i do not know what the prayer is (in english please) and which direction to light the candles. we want it to feel just like home for the holidays for him!

Make your gift memorable

What to get someone for Hanukkah?

Expert Shopper — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:14:42 +0000

pinkwarr asked:

I just found out that my daughters kindergarten teacher celebrates Hanukkah. I would like to get her a gift this holiday season, but I do not want to offend her. I do not know anyone who is Jewish, so I ‘m not sure what would be appropriate. Any suggestions would be helpful. She is a wonderful teacher, and I want to get her a gift just to show my appreciation.

Personalized Baby Gifts

Can you change your religion? Be Both?

Expert Shopper — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:46:43 +0000

Justine asked:

My mother is Christian And my Father is Jewish.

When people ask I say I am both Christian and Jewish. Im not religiously Jewish, I have never prayed in Jewish. But when I was younger, my mom would take me to church and I do celebrate both Christian and Jewish Holidays (Just Easter, Hanukkah, and Christmas)
(Not much praying goes on, we just open presents – exchange gifts)

Is it possible to just practice one religion and stay that way?

And it is possible to have two different religions run through your blood, be mixed, right?

Handmade Candy for Discriminating Tastes

Personalized Jewish Gifts – Grandparents Hanukkah T-shirt