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Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig: Hanukkah: The Jewish Response to a DOUBLE Attack

Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig: Hanukkah: The Jewish Response to a DOUBLE Attack Historically, there have been two ways to try and weaken Jews: physical attack or cultural assimilation. With the holiday of Hanukkah being celebrated this week, it is useful to und

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WATCH: Six13 – Elton Johnukah Parody

WATCH: Six13 – Elton Johnukah Parody Our last homage to a Piano Man went so well, we thought we’d celebrate one of our most joyous holidays with a tribute to another timeless entertainer, the great Sir @EltonJohn himself. #ChagSameach!

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Steve Kramer – Hanukah – An Overview

Steve Kramer – Hanukah – An Overview Hanukah starts on Sunday night, December 18. Hanukah is usually celebrated during the “Christmas season.” This coincidence makes the Jewish holiday very significant in the US, probably more so than in I

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Steve Kramer - Hanukkah, Hanukkah, Light the MenorahSteve Kramer – Hanukkah, Hanukkah, Light the Menorah

Steve Kramer – Hanukkah, Hanukkah, Light the Menorah We just received a note from a dear friend and longtime reader. She wrote: I know you once told me Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Israel but, so, just in case you feel like lighting a menorah, en

History | Culture

Light Over Darkness | Jlife

Light is the overarching, central, definitive metaphor for Jewish understanding of all of reality…

Hanukkah begins four days before the new moon – the darkest night in the month of Kislev and the closest to the winter solstice, the longest and darkest day of the month. Like many other faiths, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah brings light into the darkest time of the year.

History | Culture

It’s Not All Latkes & Dreidels | Jlife

Hanukkah is more than eating a bounty of latkes and donuts, spinning dreidels, and watching cartoon Adam Sandler sing 8 Crazy Nights. Each year friends whip out the “Ugly Hanukkah Sweaters,” double-fisting gelt and gefilte into their mouths while lighting candles, unsure if the menorah should ignite from the left or the right

So how do we find meaning in a tradition that as children means presents, and as adults, mirrors the theme of elongated holiday parties?

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Mensching Around | Jlife

Menorah trees, gingerbread houses and sweaters are the latest additions to the ancient tradition. These new customs not only prove to be another way to include non-Jewish friends and family in the Festival of Lights but are also a way to reinforce Jewish identity during this time of year.

Unlike its Christmas counterpart, children are meant to play with Mensch on a Bench.

History | Culture

Hanukkiah | Jlife

Hanukkah comes early this year. Well, actually it doesn’t. It is always on the 25th of Kislev—it just seems early on the solar calendar.

Remember Thanksgivukkah? Whatever the date, it is when Jews all over the world light a Hanukkah menorah (a hanukkiah) to commemorate the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE.

History | Culture

The December Dilemma | Jlife

Here it is, coming around the bend. That magical—yet somewhat frustrating—time of year we affectionately call Christma-kkah. It can be tough. The American holiday season has evolved—for better or worse—into a highly-commercialized, sugary-sweet present-fest. Kids run around barely able to contain their excitement.

Public schools are rehearsing their holiday talent shows. And while they strive to call them “Holiday Celebrations” and not “Christmas Extravaganzas” there is no real way to separate Christmas from church and state. It melts into our collective subconscious as soon as the “After Thanksgiving Sales” commence.

Food & Drink | Chicago Food & Drink

10 new holiday doughnuts at Chicago doughnut shops

Peppermint, eggnog, cranberry and other holiday-flavored doughnuts are available at Chicago doughnut shops