The Chanukah Menorah & Dreidel

[Guest guest]

How is Hanukkah celebrated?

 

During the festival of Hanukkah, Menorahs are lit for

eight days to commemorate the miracle. There are nine

candles on the menorah, one for each night and one for

the shamash, or servant, the candle used to light the

others. The Shamash is the middle candle and it is

raised above the others. One candle is lit each night,

and they are lit from left to right.

 

 

 

Families gather at nightfall to rekindle menorah

flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and to

share in festive meals. Blessings are sung or recited

as the candles are lit. First, a special blessing for

the Hanukkah lights, then a blessing for the miracles

that happened long ago, and then the blessing that is

said on the first night of every Jewish holiday. It is

called Shehehayanu.

 

During dinner, there are special potato pancakes

called latkes fried in oil as a reminder of the

miraculous oil.

 

Each night the celebration continues with songs or

readings, games, and small gifts. Children play the

dreidel game with spinning tops; The four sided top

has one Hebrew Letter on each side, Nun, Gimel, Hay,

Shin, that stands for the Hebrew phrase, Nes Godol

Hayah Sham

 

Translation: " Great Miracle Happened There. "

 

.. " In Israel the dreidel is a bit different in that

their letters mean " A Miracle Happened HERE! " Dreidel

is also a popular game played during the Holiday.

Players use pennies, nuts, raisins, or chocolate coins

(gelt) as tokens or chips.

 

The player spins the dreidel. When the dreidel stops,

the letter that is facing up decides the fate.

 

NUN - nothing happens - next player spins the dreidel

 

GIMEL - player takes all tokens in the pot

 

HEY - player takes half of the pot

 

SHIN - player must put one token into the pot

 

 

 

 

 

Hanukkah is celebrated in the synagogue as well as in

homes, and there are prayers and readings fom the

Torah that accompany the lighting of the menorah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

=====

Language is an expression of thought. Everytime you speak, your mind is on

Parade Exodus 20:8-11 & Hebrews 4:9

 

 

 

Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.

http://mailplus.