Of Hanukkah Recipes Food Cooking International Guide
Of Hanukkah Traditions And Customs
By Imogen T Stubbs
The Jewish community has a holiday that celebrates the rededication
of the Second temple in Jerusalem and it is called the festival
of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.
It’s an eight day holiday that involves lighting the eight candles
of the Hanukkah menorah, one each night for eight days. The shamash,
which is the tallest middle candle on an eight branched menorah,
is used to light the other eight candles.
Hanukkah is celebrated either in late November or late December,
depending on what calendar is being used.
Working Holidays During Hanukkah
Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals performed on each
day. There are some rituals that are communal while others are
family based. Unlike the Sabbath that has restrictions on several
activities, during Hanukkah, people work as usual though they
leave work early to make it home in time to rekindle the Hanukkah
candles once nightfall sets in.
All schools are closed in Israel with families eating fried food,
as well as review their options and partaking in Hanukkah gift
giving and singing Hanukkah songs.
Shamash Is The Extra Light
The sole purpose of Hanukkah lighting displays is to meditate
on the Hanukkah story. That’s why the shamash is the only extra
light that can be used if the need arises.
This festival starts with the lighting of two candles, i.e. the
shamash and one of the other eight candles, then three lights
on the second day till the 8th day, when all will be aglow.
Choice Between Candles And Oil Lamps
The lights can either be candles or oil lamps. The Hanukkah lights
are put next to a big window where outsiders can see the lights
to be reminded of the Hanukkah festival and its purpose.
Having a single menorah for the whole family or each family member
having a personal menorah varies from family to family. The Ashkenazim
custom of Hanukkah expects each family member to have a personal
Hanukkah menorah, while there are other families that use just
one according to their custom.
Customs Applying To The Blessings Recitals
The same customs apply to the blessings recitals. There are customs
that demand the recitals be done before lighting the candles,
while there are customs that dictate reciting them after the candles
are lit.
The lights of the menorah are lit alternatively, starting with
the right side of the menorah then the left till all the lights
are lit at the end of the eight day festival.
About the Author:
Imogen T Stubbs has written a number of articles on kitchen, food
and cooking including First
Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving
Feast, Hot
Water, Refrigerator
Water Filter, Water
Filtering System, Whole
House Water.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles on this website.
Did You Know?
Hanukkah is a special time of year for those that celebrate these
days. It is traditional to give gifts during this time but with
the economy sagging who has the money to spend on expensive items?
Do not worry, there are still great gifts that you can find for
loved ones that will not break your budget or your bank. The trick
is to find the right websites rather than battle it out with other
shoppers in the mall or retail stores. You can find some incredible
sales with great discounts on shipping.
|
