Explores the ways American Jews have reshaped Hanukkah traditions across the country In New Orleans, Hanukkah means decorating your door with a menorah made of hominy grits. Latkes in Texas are seasoned with cilantro and cayenne pepper. Children in Cincinnati sing Hanukkah songs and eat oranges and ice cream. While each tradition springs from its own unique set of cultural references, what ties them together is that they all celebrate a holiday that is different in America than it is any place else. For the past two hundred years, American Jews have been transforming the ancient holiday of Hanukkah from a simple occasion into something grand. Each year, as they retell its story and enact its customs, they bring their ever-changing perspectives and desires to its celebration. Providing an attractive alternative to the Christian dominated December, rabbis and lay people alike have addressed contemporary hopes by fashioning an authentically Jewish festival that blossomed in their American world. The ways in which Hanukkah was reshaped by American Jews reveals the changing goals and values that emerged among different contingents each December as they confronted the reality of living as a religious minority in the United States. Bringing together clergy and laity, artists and businessmen, teachers, parents, and children, Hanukkah has been a dynamic force for both stability and change in American Jewish life. The holiday’s distinctive transformation from a minor festival to a major occasion that looms large in the American Jewish psyche is a marker of American Jewish life. Drawing on a varied archive of songs, plays, liturgy, sermons, and a range of illustrative material, as well as developing portraits of various communities, congregations, and rabbis, Hanukkah in America reveals how an almost forgotten festival became the most visible of American Jewish holidays.

Do you know when Hanukkah began? The Feast of Dedication, known as the Hanukkah, is a minor Feast because the Torah/Pentateuch does not mandate it. It started during the time of the Maccabees, around 165 BCE. It is observed for eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month, Kislev. According to the Hebrew calendar, it may occur between November to late December. Some have chosen to adopt the Gemara or the Talmud teaching about this event and relegate it to being more about the oil that re-lit the menorah at the Temple. According to the Talmud, the Maccabees only found enough oil for one day, but miraculously it burned for eight days. There is no doubt that the Feast's origin lies in the Maccabean military victory. However, the "rabbis" effectively rebranded this Feast so that instead of glorifying Maccabees' military prowess, the Feast instead glorifies the unconditional and miraculous divine light that "Jews" can rely on when in darkness. This book focuses on the historical, military, and spiritual background that leads to the rebellion under the Maccabees. We also explain how and when it is to be celebrated. We explore the Syrian Greeks who had a Seleucid Emperor from the North, a man called Antiochus Epiphanes. He wanted to force the Israelites to worship idols and become "Hellenized." Through force, he forbids circumcision, keeping of the Sabbath and Feast Days, and makes them eat swine. Even worst, he is assisted by a group of Yahudim themselves, the "Hellenists," who believed in Antiochus' plan and detested their own culture. The Israelites rally, and in a 3-year guerilla war, and against all odds, a small group of Yahudim, led by Judas, the Maccabees fought. They were able to free the land from Greek rule. The recaptured Temple was cleansed and purified. Hanukkah is about re-dedication and re-capturing of the Temple. The battles continued for another twenty years, so it did not end the war; this happened towards the beginning of the battles. So, what is Hanukkah, and what does it commemorate? The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) is the celebration of: • The recapturing and the cleansing of the Temple after the Greeks defiled it. • Re-dedication of the Temple. • The victory over the Greeks. The recapturing of the Temple was looked at as a way of YAHUAH telling the Yahudim, you are not powerless or helpless; to have hope, do not give up, keep going with my blessing, nothing is impossible, and that gave them the courage to keep fighting. We see that it was not only a spiritual battle but it is also a physical battle the Maccabees fought against Greek oppression that ignited a revolution. Not only will you learn the true history of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), but you will discover how we celebrate it today. However, the actual celebrating begins at the return of the Messiah, and He will bring true joy to the world! Take a look inside; you might be surprised at what you will find. Consider scrolling up and click the "Buy Now.".

Perfect for storytime with babies and toddlers over the Jewish holiday period, this first ebook introduces Hanukkah traditions and festivities. From the miracle of the oil, lighting the menorah candles, and delicious fried latkes and doughnut treats, to the spin-the-top dreidel game, shiny chocolate coins, and fun family time with songs to sing and gifts to give and receive, all the elements of this wonderful Jewish festival of lights are included. This classic little picture book has simple language and engaging, real-life photos that bring the warmth and celebrations of Hanukkah to life. With one main image per page to focus on, the book is clear and easy for babies and toddlers to follow, and the short text is enjoyable to read aloud and share with young children.

Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. It's also the celebration of an ancient miracle, and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. The story of the courageous Maccabees is retold in simple yet dramatic text, accompanied by vibrant paintings of the battle, the Temple of Jersualem, and the oil which miraculously burned for eight long nights. A traditional recipe for latkes is included, as are directions for the dreidel game, for readers who want to continue the festivities at home.

The classic Hanukkah tale, shared by families all around the world-- now available in a beautiful anniversary edition. A Caldecott Honor book. A gift edition of this title is also available, featuring a slipcase and fold-out poster. (ISBN: 9780823452552) An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades! On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale? Trina Schart Hyman’s leering goblins are equal parts terrifying and ridiculous as they match wits with Hershel, trying to keep him from lighting the menorah and celebrating Hanukkah. This beautiful 25th Anniversary Edition includes an insightful afterword from the author and publisher explaining the book's origins, and remembering Trina Schart Hyman, the illustrator who brought the tale to life. This classic picture book is a perfect Hanukkah gift and a wonderful read-aloud. For more tales of this clever folk hero, read The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol— another collaboration between master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman. Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children’s Book NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts A Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book Colorado Children’s Book Award Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award

Called “enriching” and “profoundly moving” by Elie Wiesel, The Jewish Way is a comprehensive and inspiring presentation of Judaism as revealed through its holy days. In thoughtful and engaging prose, Rabbi Irving Greenberg explains and interprets the origin, background, interconnections, ceremonial rituals, and religious significance of all the Jewish holidays, including Passover, Yom Kippur, Purim, Hanukkah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Israeli Independence Day. Giving detailed instructions for observance—the rituals, prayers, foods, and songs—he shows how celebrating the holy days of the Jewish calendar not only relives Jewish history but puts one in touch with the basic ideals of Judaism and the fundamental experience of life. Insightful, original, and engrossing, The Jewish Way is an essential volume that should be in every Jewish home, library, and synagogue.

On the Sabbath, calling women to the Torah, and counting them in the minyan.