HanukkahThe holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its conquest by the Syrians in 165 BCE. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles in a hanukiyah oon each of eight nights. Other customs include the eating of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts), playing dreidl (a gambling game with a spinning top), and, in present day America, gift giving. 2023/5784
Passed from every generation,
these are rules for how to spark light
in the darkest days, Kislev to Kislev:
Place the shamash first,
then put candles right to left.
Make sure to light them left to right.
Three blessings you will sing
on the first night,
only two for the rest of chag.
Don’t work while the candles shimmer.
Place the hanukkiah so all can see.
Light the hanukkiah before ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends. candles.
This year, I discovered a hidden light passed from every generation,
seeing it only when I needed it most: the sivivon flickers, too.
Spinning, I try so desperately to imagine:
Nes Gadol Haya Sham.
A Great Miracle Happened There.
