During this especially dark and difficult time for Israel and the Jewish people, we offer these Hanukkah resources to help enhance and bring meaning to your chag: Our new downloadable Shema Bekolah Hanukkah Reader features divrei Torah by women, which you can print or read online. We also have a downloadable card featuring the candle […]
Jofa Hanukkah Resources
5784/2023 Read More »
By Dina Brawer [1] Imagine the elation felt by the Hasmoneans who recaptured the Temple and their jubilant euphoria when their frantic search produced a small jar of pure oil. This find enabled them to light the Menorah, which by miracle burned for eight days. The Hasmoneans’ direct experience of salvation culminated in a celebration
Hanukkah: A Lesson in Fixed Spontaneity Read More »
By Channa Lockshin Bob[1] Many cultures celebrate a midwinter holiday. In fact, many of these holidays are celebrated through candles and food. While Hanukah was only celebrated from post-Biblical times onward, the Gemara attributes the first celebration of a midwinter holiday to the first human being, Adam. A close analysis of the similarities and differences
Hanukah: The People’s Holiday Read More »
by Bruria SpraragenRonda Angel Arking, Editor Hanukkah today is one of the most well-known and commercially promoted holidays. We do not think of Hanukkah as a new holiday; each family has well-established Hanukkah traditions. Yet, of all the holidays we celebrate, Hanukkah has the least textual basis. The apocryphal writing, The Book of Maccabees, was
The Prohibition of Working While the Candles Burn Read More »
by Gila Sacks[1] “Mai Hannukah?”[2] famously asked the rabbis of the Talmud: “What is Hannukah?” It is the asking of this question, more than its answer, that highlights the complexity—and even mystery—of Hannukah. The question is not asked of other festivals, which seem to have their purpose and meaning fully established and widely known long
Creating Light Each Day Read More »
