Chanukah Gifts
CHANUKAH
The Story
The story of Chanukkah begins in the reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.
More than a century later, a successor of Alexander, Antiochus IV was in control of the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. Two groups opposed Antiochus: a basically nationalistic group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim, the forerunners of the Pharisees (no direct connection to the modern movement known as Chasidism). They joined forces in a revolt against both the assimilation of the Hellenistic Jews and oppression by the Selucid Greek government. The revolution succeeded and the Temple was rededicated.
According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah (candelabrum) in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Note that the holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory: Jews do not glorify war.
Hanukkah Plush Dreidel
A plush rendition of the traditional Hanukkah toy, the dreidel.
Polyester. 4 1/2" x 10" high.
Age 3 and up
Happy Hanukkah Oval Platter
This generous platter is perfect for passing around your holiday table, loaded with holiday goodies! Traditional blue-and-white pattern coordinates perfectly with our
Hanukkah Dessert Plates.
Porcelain. Microwave and dishwasher safe. 14" wide x 11".
Chanukah
or
Hanukkah?
Why do some people write Chanukah while others say Hanukkah? Rabbi Mark S. Diamond explains that these are two different English spellings and neither is incorrect. The Hebrew word for the festival of lights, Hanukkah/Chanukah, consists of five Hebrew characters opening with the consonant het (chet). This letter is not the same as the English letter "h" (as in house). It is also not the same as "ch" (as in child). It is a Hebrew guttural sound that has no precise equivalent in English.
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What does Chanukah Mean?
Chanukah or Hanukkah is the Hebrew term for rededication.
When Does Chanukah Begin?
Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar (November/December). It is celebrated for eight days in honor of the Jewish victory and the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days to rededicate the temple.
What is a Menorah?
A Menorah is a very special arrangement of nine candles. Eight of the candles are for each night of Chanukah, and the highest candle, known as the Shamash or "servant", is used to light the other candles.
On the first night of Chanukah one light is lit and this continues for eight days until all eight are shining brightly. This reminds the people of the Miracle that happened so long ago. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. Special blessings are recited each night before the lights are lit.
Long ago olive oil was used in chanukah menorahs, but over the years colorful candles have been substituted. In Israel, the chanukah menorah is called the Hanukiyah. They come in all shapes and sizes and resemble the Holy Temple's menorah.
What is a Dreidel?
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. In America the letters stand for "A Great Miracle Happened There". In Israel the letters mean "A Miracle Happened Here".
The Dreidel game is played by giving each player a number of coins or candy pieces. Before spinning the dreidel, each player puts a fixed proportion of the amount of coins received into the "Kupah" or kitty. Each player in turn spins the dreidel. When the dreidel falls, it will fall on one of the 4 letters. According to the letter, the following will happen:
Nun - no win / no lose
Gimmel - take all (from the kitty)
Heh - take half (from the kitty)
Peh or Shin - lose (what you deposited)
The game continues until players run out of 'funds' or agree to stop (anyone losing all funds is out of the game).
The dreidel game was popular when Antiochus ruled. Jewish people, struggling to keep their faith alive, would gathered together to study the Torah, outlawed by Antiochus. They would keep the dreidel near by so if soldiers appeared they could hide their scriptures and pretend to play with the dreidel. In Israel the dreidel is called a sivivon. The yiddish word "dreidel" is derived from the German word "drehen", or "turn".
What is a Latke?
The most popular ingredient in Chanukah dishes is oil. Why? Because the oil reminds the Jewish people of the small cruse of oil that burned eight days instead of one.
Latkes are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with eggs, onions, and flour, and fried in vegetable oil. They are crispy on the outside yet soft inside. They are served hot and often dipped in apple sauce or sour cream.
The Maccabee soldiers ate latkes made from cheese, vegetables, or fruits which were brought to them on the battlefields. However, they didn't eat potato latkes, as potatoes weren't available until the sixteenth century.
Sufganiyot
Sufganiyot are jelly doughnuts without the hole. They're dropped into hot oil without being shaped and come out in odd, funny shapes, then covered in powdered sugar and/or cinnamon. Sufganiyot are particularly popular in Israel, where they are sold on stands in the streets over a month before Chanukah begins.
Happy Hanukkah Placemat
Set a festive table and wish one and all a very happy Hanukkah! Wipe-clean vinyl mats feature classic holiday decorations, right down to the cheery menorah candles.
Set of 4. Each mat is 18" wide x 12"
Hanukkah Dessert Plates
A fitting setting for your favorite dessert, just right after a fabulous meal! Traditional blue-and-white motif is brightened by candles and Hanukkah wishes.
Set of 4. Porcelain
. Diswasher and Microwave safe. 8" diameter.
Happy Hanukkah Mug
Your favorite soup or beverage will have a holiday flavor when enjoyed in this marvelous 12 ounce mug. A fantastic reminder of this special time of year!
Porcelain. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
4 1/4" diameter X 3 1/8"
Impressions Happy Hanukkah Flag
To commemorate a reflective occasion, a Hanukkah flag of
100% polyester.
Machine washable. 28" x 40
Hanukkah Plush Bear
A teddy bear befitting the occasion, featuring the Star of David on his "beary" blue belly!
Polyester. 6" x 5" x 8" high.
Age 3 and up.
MUSICAL CHANUKAH DREIDEL
What would Chanukah be without "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel"? The beautiful blue and white porcelain dreidel decorated with joyous symbols of the holiday spins as it plays this classic song. Porcelain and metal. 4" W x 5 1/4" H.
Joanna Gamble of Virginia
Boutique and Gift Shop
This page was last updated on: September 1, 2008
GEL GEMS® HOLIDAY WINDOW CLING DECORATION
Dress up windows and mirrors with this set of colorful Gel Gems® shapes you can use again and again. Non-toxic, indoor use only. Paper and plastic.
$14.00
