How to Celebrate Chanukah
To commemorate the miracle of the eight days, we light the candles on each night of
Chanukah; the special menorah for Chanukah has places for eight candles, along with a ninth
that is usually set apart. This extra one is for the Shamash candle, which is kindled
first, and then used to light the others. Each night, one candle is lit, with appropriate
blessings (see “Chanukah Blessings” on main page.),
until all eight shine together as the holiday ends.
Chanukah is a time for parties, with food, singing songs, and playing
“dreidel.” The dreidel is a top with four sides, each inscribed with a Hebrew
letter. (see “How to Play Dreidel.”)
Players start with a stack of tokens... today, Chanukah gelt is popular (chocolate “coins”
wrapped in embossed gold foil). With each spin, players win or lose tokens, depending upon
which letter is face up.
Legend holds that the resistance fighters used this game as a cover for their meetings.
They would gather around the dreidel and pretend to play if a soldier came within earshot.
Of course, every Jewish holiday has its special foods. For Chanukah, dairy is
popular and latkes (potato pancakes)– served with sour cream and applesauce–
are a must! The potatoes have no special significance; it is the frying oil which recalls
the Ner Tamid and the miracle of its light.
Chanukah is joyous, but not frivolous. In the end, it's about light and about
freedom– in other words, it's about universal values expressed in a uniquely Jewish way.
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