Hannukah

Yes! We play dreidel, make potato latkes, applesauce (later in the week jelly donuts), sing songs, watch The Animated hero Classics Maccabees The Story of Hanukkuh and read hanukkah books (all from libarary) and open a gift each night from grandparents who celebrate xmas (to which we don’t but they still like to give them something). Also we do light a mini menorah and read scriptures about Jesus being the Light of the world.

I’d like to hear others ideas!

Tara

Yes, we celebrate the eight days of Dedication. In addition to lighting the menorah, gifts are exchanged; small ones and not always all eight nights; depends on the budget. We have books, music (singing Rock of Ages) and dreidals to enjoy all week. There’s some fun videos here: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm

Here’s one of my favorites; it’s a Chanuka song by Messianic Jewish singer Marty Goetz-his voice is so beautiful and so is the song-you’ve got to hear it:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiZkfQN7ps0

and a fun one by Matisyahu “Miracle”; the video is fun, but try to listen to the words (it took me about 4 times to understand it!):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv-7WdpB72o

Our tradition on the first night is Apricot chicken, latkes w/sour cream and/or applesauce, and a green. During the week I always make something w/oil, fried or not. I’ll make donuts (not jelly filled though) and fried apple pies; chocolate cake, vege fritters, salmon patties, etc. Then we have a Chanukah party on Sat. night at our synagogue.

I read John 10 this morning and we also enjoy reading many Scriptures that enhance the Festival of Lights. Here’s a free booklet with blessings nad Scriptures from Tim Hegg.

I try to keep it simple.

Chanukah Sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!)

Rachel

You’re so welcome-I”m glad I could chime in. Here’s some historical offerings to savor this week:

http://www.history.com/topics/hanukkah

MACCABEES 1 http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/1maccabees.html

MACCABEES 2 http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/2maccabees.html

JOSEPHUS’ ACCOUNT http://www.ccel.org/ccel/josephus/works/files/war-1.htm

For the candles, remember the special way to put them in and the special way to light them. If you don’t know the reason for the tradition behind the order of putting them in and lighting them and why; it was a compromise between Hillel and Shammai-just before Y’shua’s time on earth, and it makes sense (we discussed it here and agree w/Hillel!). Look it up!

In specific answer to your question: the general “rule” is that the lights/candles should burn for a half-hour, longer on Shabbat; it is one of those traditions that you may or may not observe, however, it isn’t burdensome and Hanukkah candles are generally designed to stay lit for 30 min. anyway; the point is to observe and enjoy the lights, playing dreidal, opening presents, no housework, read a book, etc, in order to honor G-d and savor the lights in the darkness.

We just let ours burn down every night; ours are the skinny ones from Manischewitz that come 44 to a box.

I’d like to share a Chanuka toy set from KidKraft that is a wonderful tool for little ones to use-if you don’t want to pull together your own for them to play with- if you don’t want them handling fire and they can practice the blessings and songs with it. My son loves his (and he’s 11!) There’s also a Shabbat one for the little ladies to practice with before they get their own candle to light after age 12 as well as some others. They are pricey (gotta price shop), but long-lasting; we got ours years ago and they can pass them down to their children. Here’s some to see: http://www.woodentoddlertoys.com/chtoandgi1.html

I think french toast sounds great! Sounds like their own Maccabee skit will be great! My children did that when they were younger, too. I did a sprouted grain donut last year, but didn’t get around to sprouting this year, so here’s the donut recipe I’ll be using:http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/healthy-treat-for-today-whole-wheat-donuts

We’ve been at our Messianic Synagogue for 10 years; I drive 72 miles to get there weekly, so it still takes 1 1/4 hours. What state are you in? I’ll see what I can find. I’m taking it easy today!

Shalom,

Rachel

More Hanukkah fun! There are two videos by an a cappella group called the Maccabeats; a redo of “Miracle” and then “Candlelight” on the right-really good.

http://www.maccabeats.com/

Rachel

Potato latkes are potato pancakes: Grated potatoes and onion with egg, salt, baking soda and flour. Then fried in oil (I use olive oil) til crisp and oh so good dipped in sour cream or homemade applesauce! The Jews fry foods in oil because of the miracle of the oil: there was only enough oil for one day but the menorah burned for 8 nights until they could get more oil. I’m not sure on the history of why they chose donuts, potato latkes, etc except for the frying part. There are lots of good children’s books on Hanukkah that explain the history of the Feast of Dedication (found in John 10:22 when Jesus went into the temple that day in the winter).

Tara