Chanukah is observed for eight days, beginning on the evening of the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. This year Chanukah begins at sundown on December 25, 2005 and ends on January 2, 2006 (25 Kislev - 2 Tevet).
We kindle lights in commemoration of the "miracles, deliverance, mighty deeds, salvations, wonders and solace" that our Heavenly Father performed for us in those days, at this time. We are always open to receive some more of those Chanukah miracles in our time too!
You can learn about the origins and practices of Chanukah from Rabbi Isaac Klein’s “A Guide to Religious Practice” on the Jewish Theological Seminary’s web site: http://learn.jtsa.edu/hanukkah/ . On the site you will also find commentaries, greeting cards, children’s activities and recipes. In a special section called “What is a Jew?” Chancellor Ismar Schorsch discusses the historical and cultural background of the holiday.
Jacob Richman’s website has with many links for Chanukah, ranging from laws and customs to songs, games, greeting cards, clip art and recipes. Site languages include English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Italian. The web address is: http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-hdaych.htm
The Jewish Agency’s Department for Jewish Zionist Education is a good resource for information and activities in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew and German: http://www.jafi.org.il/education/festivls/hanuka/index.html
Two additional websites worth checking out are sponsored by the American Joint Distribution Committee: http://morim.org/ActiveHoliday.aspx which includes programs and resources for teachers and http://madrichim.org/ActiveHoliday.aspx with resources for counselors.
There are thousands of recipes for latkes on the web, but here’s one that’s actually healthy—a No Fry Latke! Each latke has only 36 calories per latke and 1 gram of fat. Just don’t add the sour cream and spoil your efforts! http://www.gourmania.com/recipesmlym/mlnym_nofrylatkes.htm
Our best wishes from all of us at Masorti Olami to all of you for a Chanukah filled with light and joy.
