Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b-mitzvotav, v-tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through Your commandments, and commands us to light the Hanukkah lights.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a third prayer is said, “Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.” This translates to “Praised are you, our God, ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.”Dec 22, 2019
Thereof, What is Hanukkah and how is it celebrated?
Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
Also to know is, Is Hanukkah a religious holiday? Although not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely celebrated and remains one of the most popular Jewish religious observances. Hanukkah is celebrated from Friday, December 11 to Friday, December 18 in 2020.
Subsequently, question is, What is a simple explanation of Hanukkah? Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. It also celebrates a miracle that happened during this time, where just a day’s supply of oil allowed the menorah (Hanukkiah or Hanukkah Menorah) in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem to remain lit for eight days.
Also, What side do you start to light a menorah?
A: The candles are lighted in the opposite direction from how they are placed in the chanukiah. They are lighted from left to right, so that the newest candle is always lighted first.
How is Hanukkah celebrated for dummies?
Lighting the candles is a brief ceremony at sunset. A Hanukkah menorah is called a Hanukkiah. You light the Shamash (the helper candle) first and then use it to light a candle per night so that at the end of the holiday, the entire Hannukiah is filled with burning candles.
How do you celebrate Hanukkah?
Many modern Jewish families celebrate by lighting the hanukkiah. One candle per night of Hanukkah is lit, like Hebrew is read, from right to left. People might also play dreidel games and eat certain foods like sufganiyot (similar to jelly donuts) and latkes (fried potato pancakes).
What is the proper way to light a menorah?
On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the holder on the far right, and light it with the shamash. Then put the shamash back in its spot (leaving it lit). On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash.
What is an appropriate Hanukkah greeting?
What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah? To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).
Which night of Hanukkah is this?
In 2020, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 10, and continues through Friday, December 18. The first candle is lit on the Chanukiah (menorah) on this date.
What are 3 interesting facts about Hanukkah?
– Hanukkah Isn’t A Major Jewish Holiday. …
– A Menorah Is Actually A “Hanukiah” …
– 17.5 Million Donuts Are Eaten In Israel During Hannukah. …
– The Dreidel Was Used As A Cover-Up For Studying The Torah. …
– Gifts Are Only Given Because It’s Close To Christmas. …
– There Are 16 Ways To Spell Hanukkah.
What is the first day to light the menorah?
In 2020, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 10, and continues through Friday, December 18. The first candle is lit on the Chanukiah (menorah) on this date.
Why is Hanukkah so close to Christmas?
The proximity of the beginning of the Hanukkah festival on the 25th of Kislev (end of November/December) to Christmas led to the so-called “December Dilemma” for Jewish families living in societies that were largely Christian.
What do you say on the first night of Hanukkah?
(to be said prior to lighting the candles) Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed are you Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who has made us holy through God’s commandments, and commanded us to light the Hanukkah candles.
What do the lights on the Menorah mean?
The seven lamps allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six lamps inclined inwards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The menorah also symbolizes the creation in seven days, with the center light representing the Sabbath.
What do you say during Hanukkah?
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).
How was Hanukkah originally celebrated?
According to I Maccabees, the celebration of Hanukkah was instituted by Judas Maccabeus in 165 bce to celebrate his victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king who had invaded Judaea, tried to Hellenize the Jews, and desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
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