Beth El

Introduction

Beginning Friday, December 11, we celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. At a season of the year when Christmas symbols are all around us, Hanukkah serves to remind us of our Jewish identity and our Jewish history. By lighting the candles each day, singing the Brachot and the songs, by eating latkes, and even by playing dreidel and by giving “Hanukkah gelt”, we reinforce our identity as Jews in America.

Content and Lessons

Hanukkah commemorates events which took place in the year 165 B.C.E., when King Antiochus of Syria prohibited Jews from observing their traditions. The festival celebrates the victory of Judah Maccabee and his brothers over Antiochus, and the reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Hanukkah teaches us to resist our enemies both within and without. It reminds us that our people can be destroyed by both anti-semitism and by assimilation.

The story of the little cruse of oil that lasted eight days teaches us that with commitment, dedication and a little help from God, our people, no matter how small, can stay strong and free.

Observances

The candles should be lit eight nights beginning shortly after dark. On the first night the candle is placed on the right side of the Menorah and is lit by the “Shamash” or serving candle. On succeeding nights, we add towards the left.

On Friday night, December 11 & 18, the candles should be lit, if possible, before sundown, followed immediately after by the kindling of the Shabbat candles.

The blessings are said while holding the Shamash, before lighting the candles. They are as follows:

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam Asher Kidshanu B’mitzvotav V’Tzivanu L’hadlik Ner Shel Channukah.

Blessed are thou, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe who has taught us the way of holiness through thy commandments in accordance with which we light the lights of Hanukkah.

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam, Sheh-asah Neeseem Lavotaynu Bayamim Hahem Bazman Hazeh.

Blessed are thou, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who didst work wonders for our forefathers in the days of the Maccabees at this season of the year.

The following blessing is added on the first evening:

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Haolam shehehyanu V’Kiymanu V’higyanu Lazman Hazeh.

Following the blessings, we sing “Maoz Tzur” or other Hanukkah songs.

The Hanukkah menorah (or Hanukkiah) should be placed in a window so that all can see it. While every home should light at least one Menorah, there is no limit to the number of Hanukkiyot that can be lit.