Miscellaneous | Jewish Life

How I Got a Giant Menorah Into Gaza

In the past seven weeks, Rabbi Levi Mendelson slept very little. His main concern? Aid and relief for soldiers, the wounded and the displaced, and the hostages and victims’ families.

I saw this and was REALLY curious how they made it happen. I knew it was Chabad, but u wanted to know how. This is fascinating!

Miscellaneous | Jewish Life

Chanukah: Independence & Defiance, Not Tolerance

Far from a “minor” holiday, Chanukah is more crucial than ever.

Politics | Politics

Slap in the Face: Biden White House Snubs Families of US-Israeli Hostages From Menorah Lighting

 Last night, the Biden White House held an annual menorah lighting to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday. Given the events since Oct. 7 in Israel and the number of Americans who are still being held hostage or missing, this was bound to be a delicate event that would need to be handled carefully and professionally.

He’s such a bastard.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

What’s Special About the Fifth Night of Chanukah?

This night is reserved for celebration and (extra) gelt. Here’s the reason why.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Why Add a Light Each Night of Chanukah?

The Talmud gives two reasons: to indicate the night and because we always ascend rather than descend.

News | News

UNPACKED: The Secret History of Hanukkah

UNPACKED: The Secret History of Hanukkah With regards to the holiday of Hanukkah, while most everyone knows about the Maccabees’ victory over the mighty Seleucid Greek Empire and the subsequent miracle of the menorah oil lasting for 8 days, less known a

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Great Jewish Awakening Promises, Amid Darkness, Chanukah Filled With Light

War in Israel, antisemitism at home spur greater engagement than ever

Miscellaneous | Judaism

How to Light the Menorah - Chabad

Breeze through the Chanukah Menorah lighting with a step by step guide on everything from which menorah is kosher to how to arrange and light your own menorah.

News | Antisemitism Watch

Menorah lightings canceled around the world as towns remove Jewish symbols over Hamas war

For the first time in 20 years, the city of Moncton, Canada, decided to not have a menorah displayed outside of its city hall. In Williamsburg, Virginia, The

Never back down. Never give up. Canceling is always a mistake. Although, some locations forced the cancellation on the Hewish community (like Williamsburg).

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Thanksgiving Meets Chanukah - . . . and they find they have a lot in common.

Hi, America, I’m Thanksgiving. And I’m also Chanukah. Hold my hand. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Now say, “Thank G‑d, we’re free.” Doesn’t that feel good?

My favorite American holiday and my favorite Jewish holiday.

Politics | Opinion

Happy inclusive holidays! - Melanie Phillips

Seasonal greetings should not resort to euphemisms

History | History

Why Hanukkah Made Western Civilization Possible

Hanukkah made western civilization possible by preserving idea of one God instead of pagan beliefs of many gods. Holiday is more than just a Jewish victory.

News | Antisemitism Watch

Nazi SS symbol carved into Beverly Hills menorah, suspect arrested

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said, “A despicable act such as this will never be tolerated in our City.”

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Why Is Chanukah 8 (Not 7) Days Long? - 13 answers to an age-old puzzle - Chabad

The 8 days are because it either took 8 days to become pure or to travel to Tekoa to get new oil. But why is the first day celebrated? Here are 13 reasons.

Politics | Campus Watch

Hanukkah and the new imperialist assault on Judaism

Campus antisemites are seeking to destroy not just Israel, but Jewish identity itself.

Miscellaneous | Diaspora

In Decimated Mariupol, Menorah Emerges From the Rubble - Ukrainian menorah reminds that ‘a little light dispels much darkness’

Ukrainian menorah reminds that ‘a little light dispels much darkness’

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Light and Shadows: What Is Divine Reciprocity? - Chabad

We don't have to take on an army in order to experience miracles.

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

A Photo Worth a Thousand Years - A Chanukah Message

Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson is the rabbi of Beit Baruch and executive director of Chabad of Belgravia, London, where he lives with his wife, Chana, and children.

News | News

Egyptian Jews on brink of extinction mark Hanucah • Point of No Return

Nine years ago, Magda Haroun organised a Hanucah service at Cairo’s Adly St synagogue. But in the absence of a rabbi she turned to Google to find instructions on how to lead the service, she tells CBS News. Now the ‘community’ she heads in Cairo is compos

News | Jewish Community

How to Light the Menorah - Light Up Your Environment!

Breeze through the Chanukah Menorah lighting with a step by step guide on everything from which menorah is kosher to how to arrange and light your own menorah.

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

‘Let There Be Light’: First Night of Chanukah 2022 in Photos - Menorahs great and small brighten the world

“The essential thing is the deed,” wrote theRebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—in his public Chanukah letter for 1973. “First and foremost must come the practical act, the first mitzvah of [Chanukah] being the lighting of the candles … .”

Miscellaneous | Judaism

16 Menorah Facts Every Jew Should Know - Chabad

The word menorah is Hebrew for “lamp,” and generally refers to the eight-branched candelabra that we light on the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.

News | News

Hamas threatens war resulting from Jews visiting the Temple Mount during Chanukah; Jordan joins the antisemitic, anti-Chanukah jihad

Blogging about Israel and the Arab world since, oh, forever.

News | ISRAEL NEWS

Silver Coins Dating to Maccabean Revolt Found in Judean Desert

A cache of silver coins hidden some 2,200 years ago in the Judean Desert and discovered in May 2022. Photo: …

Music | Music

Oh Hanukkah

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesOh Hanukkah · Meshugga Beach PartyTwenty Songs Of The Chosen Surfer℗ 2005 Jewish Music Group, LLC, under exclus...

Politics | Opinion

Every Time You Wish Someone 'Happy Hanukkah' You Acknowledge The Historic Jewish Claim On Jerusalem

The Festival of Lights is just another reminder that the Jews have a singular, millennia-long relationship with Jerusalem.

History | Archeology

Ancient Hasmonean artifacts found in east Jerusalem at end of Hanukkah

The items were examined by officials of the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the suspect was arrested and taken in for questioning.

“East Jerusalem” meaning: Jerusalem.

News | News

RAV KOOK ON CHANUKAH: KINDLING THE INDIVIDUAL AND UNIVERSAL LIGHT

RAV KOOK ON CHANUKAH: KINDLING THE INDIVIDUAL AND UNIVERSAL LIGHT The people of Israel are lighting the 8 lights of Chanuka everywhere. The Talmud recounts the original disagreement between the schools of Shammai and Hillel about the proper order of kindl

Politics | Biden Administration/Congress

Elder Of Ziyon - Biden Harris Goysplain Chanuka to the Jews (Judean Rose)

One Jew reacts to the Biden Administration's Chanuka greeting.

These people are such a joke.

News | News

Israel-Hanukkah Videos for 2021

Israel-Hanukkah Videos for 2021 Top Sufganiyot For Hanukkah!   No Hanukkah is complete without Sufganiyot! Join us as we stroll through the streets of Jerusalem to taste the amazing variety of delicious doughnut delicacies the city has to offer!  Hanukk

News | News

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l – 8 Short Thoughts on Hanukkah

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l – 8 Short Thoughts on Hanukkah H/T Aish.com 1. Inspired by faith, we can change the world Twenty-two centuries ago, when Israel was under the rule of the empire of Alexander the Great, one particular leader, Antiochus

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

Were the Maccabees Wrong to Fight? - Chanukah

When we kindle our Chanukah candles each year, the light that glows is the spirit of faith and determination of the Maccabees.

Miscellaneous | Other Stuff

"Eight Lights for Eight Nights" Chanukah Companion - A printable companion to help you celebrate Chanukah

To help you celebrate a most uplifting and joyous Chanukah, Chabad.org has prepared Eight Lights for Eight Nights, a night-by-night program to be printed and enjoyed.

Music | Music

Dreidel, Dreidel

Provided to YouTube by CDBabyDreidel, Dreidel · Meshugga Beach PartyHot Rod Hanukkah℗ 2011 Meshugga Beach PartyReleased on: 2011-07-01Auto-generated by YouTube.

Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous

Hey American businesses: Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas

Hanukkah celebrates Jewish freedom from assimilation; it doesn't need Jewish-Christmas decorations or Jewish-Christmas movies or Jewish elfs-on-the-shelf

History | Archeology

Israeli Archaeologists Just Unearthed A 2,100-Year-Old Fortress That Provides ‘Tangible Evidence’ Of The Hanukkah Story

Unearthed in the ancient city of Maresha, the 2,100-year-old fortress was destroyed by Jewish warriors rebelling against the Seleucids.

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

How This Rabbi Built 30,000 Public Menorahs

A Chabad emissary in New Jersey has taken menorah construction to new heights

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

Chabad: Chanukah Basics

The Chanukah story, Chanukah observances, Chanukah FAQs and the menorah lighting procedure in succinct form -- with a plethora of links that lead to the unabridged version...

News | News

12/18 Links Pt2: Columbia professor : Israel 'fabricated' Jewish refugees; Why the cultural elite truly despises Hanukkah; What Raphael Warnock Believes About Israel

Blogging about Israel and the Arab world since, oh, forever.

Politics | Politics

This Chanukah Had An Antisemitic Attack For Each Day Of The Holiday - Jew In The City

As we publicized the miracle of Chanukah this week, there was, unfortunately, an antisemitic attack to number each day of the holiday. As our enemies rise up to destroy us, may we find renewed commitment to our heritage and pride.

Politics | Politics

French Cops Arrest Perpetrators of Violent Assault on Jewish Family Singing Hanukkah Songs in Their Car

A French police vehicle . Photo: Wikimedia Commons. French police arrested four individuals on Friday in connection with an “incredibly …

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

Why Insist on Depicting a Straight-Branched Menorah? - Questions & Answers

Despite the depiction of the Temple menorah on the Arch of Titus, Chabad makes a point of depicting the menorah with straight, diagonal branches. Why?

News | News

Bones of Hashmoneans were being destroyed by the Palestinian Authority; remains saved and re-interred during Chanukah

Blogging about Israel and the Arab world since, oh, forever.

I hate the damned Palestinians and no decent person on earth should approve if anything they do.

Politics | Politics

Why the cultural elite truly despises Hanukkah

Well, because Hanukkah is about as out of step with the contemporary elite consensus as any religious tradition can be.

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

Chanukah: The Eternal Light - Daily Dose of Wisdom

The flames of the Temple Menorah have been dark for many centuries, but the flames of the Chanukah menorah can never be extinguished.

News | Antisemitism Watch

Chinese Jews celebrate Hanukkah in secret amid gov't crackdowns

The Kaifeng Jewish community reportedly consists of just 100 practicing Jews among 1,000 who claim ancestry, but their history goes back over a thousand years.

Somehow the world is always silent when it’s our heritage which is being erased.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

A Deeper Look at the Menorah Blessings - Chanukah, 5743

The three blessing we recite before kindeling the menorah carry deep inside them the timeless Chanukah lessons for our service of God, specifically in our times.

Music | Music

Meshugga Beach Part - Latkes

Provided to YouTube by CDBabyLatkes · Meshugga Beach PartyHot Rod Hanukkah℗ 2011 Meshugga Beach PartyReleased on: 2011-07-01Auto-generated by YouTube.

Politics | Politics

Western Wall Hanukkah candle lighting to continue amid COVID-19 pandemic

Tours of hanukkiot in Jerusalem will also take place throughout the holiday – both in person according to Health Ministry guidelines and online.

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

The First Hanukkah Light in Bergen Belsen - Chanukah

A wooden clog became a hanukkiah; strings from a uniform, a wick; and shoe polish, pure oil.

Miscellaneous | Chanukah

Chanukah: How Is It Possible that Enlightened Reasoning Could Bring to Spiteful Bigotry?

This is the light of God’s wisdom. It’s not there for our use that we can manipulate it and modify it to fit our needs and desires. If we’re able to figure a little bit of it out, well, that’s pretty amazing. But if we can’t, that doesn’t change its truth

Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous

13 Hanukkah Facts Every Jew Should Know

Become an expert on this widely celebrated but barely understood Jewish festival.

News | News

UNPACKED - Watch Hanukkah, Hellenization, and Hasmoneans

UNPACKED – Watch Hanukkah, Hellenization, and Hasmoneans Faced with the might of the Greek Empire, some Jews in the ancient world tried to become more Greek than a tub of yogurt. Others, such as the Hasmoneans, stood up for their Jewish values — n

Miscellaneous | Diaspora

Fearing for his life, Jew secretly celebrates Hanukkah in enemy country

A Jew living in a hostile Arab country went out of his way to celebrate Hanukkah this week, despite the

News | News

Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig - Maccabi Tel Aviv as a Metaphor for Israeli Hanukkah: Then & Now

Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig – Maccabi Tel Aviv as a Metaphor for Israeli Hanukkah: Then & Now As is well known, the Maccabees first revolted against the Jewish Hellenizers (who today would be called assimilated Jews) and only afterwards against the Sele

Music | Music

Dreidel, Dreidel

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Dreidel, Dreidel · Meshugga Beach Party Hot Rod Hanukkah ℗ 2011 Meshugga Beach Party Released on: 2011-07-01 Auto-generated by ...

Miscellaneous | Judaism

8 Old and New Chanukah Traditions!

Looking to expand beyond the bare-bones basics? Here are 8 deeply meaningful traditions
for you and your family to personalize.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

16 Menorah Facts Every Jew Should Know!

The word menorah is Hebrew for “lamp,” and generally refers to the eight-branched candelabra that we light on the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

Hallmark’s making some Hanukkah movies. The only problem? They’re anti-Semitic.

These holiday specials are really Christmas movies with Jewish characters, and they draw on old, dangerous tropes.

For the record, I don’t agree that President Trump invoked a “trope” when he referred to someone doing some shifty things as “shifty.” Remarking on someone Jewish in unflattering ways isn’t itself antisemitic. However, the idea that Chanukah is “merely” Jewish Xmas or that Jews are somehow “missing out” by not celebrating Xmas is absurd. We literally have holidays every month of the year except one and in some cases-multiple holidays. That they also felt compared to make the Jewish characters into cliches worthy of the worst types of antisemitic European tropes is disgusting. Hallmark shouldn’t be making movies about holidays that they do NOT understand, and don’t lend themselves to sugary, sappy, empty confections of predictable, mindless nonsense.

Music | Music

BLACK FLAMINGOS -- "OH CHANUKAH" / "HAVA NAGILA" / "DREIDEL DREIDEL DREIDEL"

I filmed this performance @ Otto's Shrunken Head in NYC as part of my Monthly SURF-ROCK SHINDIG. The date was December 5 2015. All three songs are traditiona...

Music | Music

Meshugga Beach Party - Oh Hanukkah

Meshugga Beach Party playing Oh Hanukkah at the Larkspur Cafe Theater Learn more at http://www.meshuggabeachparty.com

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

Hanukkah Is Not Christmas. This Year, Let's Embrace That

Hanukkah ought to be celebrated in its own right. And failure to see it for what it truly is means children will likely abandon Judaism

Excellent article. Chanukah is NOT a holiday about religious tolerance, and I love that fact. It is the holiday where we say to the world: we are Jewish, you can't change that, and we'd rather fight and sacrifice our lives than be coerced into assimilation.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

8 Things to Enjoy This Chanukah

Chanukah is coming, and we want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy and inspiring eight-day Festival of Lights!

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

WATCH: Vandals twist Arizona family’s garden menorah into swastika

Seth and Naomi Ellis horrified to discover hideous display outside their house; supporters later gather to help fix and relight the festive candelabrum

I continually hear the absurd claim that antisemitism isn't a serious problem. It's very obviously a serious problem.

News | News

A Letter to President Obama from an Israeli Soldier

Many have tried to destroy us, and they have ALL failed. This time will be no different.

A brilliant letter by a brave, wise and determined young man.

"Our lighting of the menorah is living proof of that fact. Proof of our strength and perseverance. Many have tried to destroy us, and they have ALL failed. This time will be no different. Not yourself, not the UN, not the terror that you have given legitimacy to. No one will defeat us."

News | News

Menorahs in France to Shed Light During State of Emergency
Public Lightings to Continue, Despite Terror Attacks

Chabad Houses across Paris and its suburban environs are preparing for outdoor public Chanukah menorah-lightings just weeks after terror attacks killed more than 120 people throughout the city.

The symbolism here is heavy and I mean that in the best way. It is truly symbolic of the battle between light and darkness. Chanukah is the celebration of good over evil. It is my favorite holiday and things like this illustrate why. Good for Chabad for standing up to evil. Again. Never be afraid to express your Judaism publicly or privately.

History | History

Correcting Mistakes About Hanukkah - The Michael Medved Show

Despite extensive media coverage and rising levels of public partying, the holiday of Hanukkah still causes confusion among both Jewish and non-Jewish Amer

This is an important article. The meaning of Chanukah is much different than what many contemporary people seem to believe it is. In my opinion he real message of Chanukah is far more compelling.

History | History

2,000-year-old Maccabean-era fortress unearthed in Jerusalem after century-long search

Acra fortification, built by Hanukkah villain Antiochus IV Epiphanes, maintained Seleucid Greek control over Temple until its conquest by Hasmoneans in 141 BCE

This is particularly amazing just a few weeks before Chanukah. This IS the fortress that the Maccabees conquered on their way to reconquering Jerusalem.

History | HISTORY

Hanukkah and How War Should Be Celebrated | Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

For Jews, practicing our religion has never been as straightforward. Throughout history we have had to fight and die simply to observe our faith. Hanukkah represents a triumphant moment....

This is another great article by Rabbi Shmuley! As Jews, we don't celebrate war, but we also do not shy away from war when it is absolutely necessary.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

The Jewish Press » » Chanukah: Guide for the Perplexed 2014

Chanukah is the holiday of liberty, combining The Book (faith and dedication to God) and the sword

This is a pretty good explanation of a lot of what Chanukah is all about!

Food & Drink | Seasonal Recipes

Avoid Soggy Latkes with these tips! - Bon Appétit

Nobody likes a soggy latke. And yet, a perfectly crunchy, crispy, golden-brown potato pancake is hard to master. In the video below, Dawn Perry, Bon Appétit digital food editor walks us through the process for picture-perfect latkes.

Latkes are "potato pancakes" and are a Chanukah staple!

Miscellaneous | Judaism

MEDVED: Correcting Mistakes About Hanukkah | Truth Revolt

Despite extensive media coverage and rising levels of public partying, the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah (that begins Tuesday night, December 16th) still causes confusion among both Jewish and non-Jewish Americans. No, it’s not a festival of tolerance or

It is a little confusing because he implies that Chanukkah isn't about the miracle of the oil, but he then elaborates on that making it clear that it is the interpretation of that miracle that is misunderstood and NOT that Chanukah is not about the miracle itself. But he is 100% correct: Chanukah is about the Maccabees determination to practice traditional, authentic, Torah Judaism.