B"H
Kislev 21, 5766 * December 22, 2005
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Y O U R C O M P L E T E C H A N U K A H G U I D E
December 25, 2005 – January 2, 2006 ~ 25 Kislev - 2 Tevet, 5766
http://www.Chanukah.org
Brought to you by: www.Chabad.org
===================================================================
The Chanukah Lights are lit in the evenings preceding each of the eight
days of Chanukah beginning on Sunday evening, December 25, 2005.
What follows is a step-by-step guide to Chanukah observance.
===================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
> CHANUKAH HOW-TO
> YOUR CHANUKAH CALENDAR
> THE CHANUKAH STORY
> CHANUKAH LINKS
________________________________
=====================
** CHANUKAH HOW-TO **
=====================
For our Children’s Chanukah Guide, please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/103903
For the complete How-To guide please see our website:
http://www.chabad.org/h103902
----------------------
Who Lights the Menorah
----------------------
Both men and women are obligated to light the Chanukah menorah, or to participate in the menorah lighting by the head of the household. Children should be encouraged to light their own menorahs. Students and singles who live in dormitories or their own apartments should kindle menorahs in their own rooms.
--------------------------
Where to Place the Menorah
--------------------------
Many have the custom to place the menorah in a doorway opposite the mezuzah (such is the custom of Chabad-Lubavitch) so that the two mitzvot of mezuzah and Chanukah surround the person. Others place it on a window sill facing a public through-fare. (If placed on the window sill, it should be no higher than 20 cubits - about 29 feet - above street level).
-----------------------
Setting Up Your Menorah
-----------------------
The Chanukah lights should consist of lamps or candles - i.e., a flammable fuel that feeds a visible flame via a wick. The most preferable way to fulfill the mitzvah is with cotton wicks in olive oil or beeswax candles; paraffin candles or other types of candles or lamps are also acceptable, but not gas lights or electric lights (if circumstances do not allow the use of an open flame, a proper rabbinical authority should be consulted).
The lamps or candles must contain enough fuel, at the time of the lighting, to burn until half an hour after nightfall ("nightfall" is the point at which it grows dark enough for three average-sized stars to be visible - about 20-30 minutes after sunset, depending on the location).
The lamps or candles should be arranged in a straight row and should be of equal height. The shamash - the "servant" candle that kindles the other lights - should be placed apart from the rest (higher, outside the row, etc.).
On the first night of Chanukah one light is kindled on the right side of the Menorah, on the following night add a second light to the left of the first and kindle the new light first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.
------------------------
When to Light the Menorah
------------------------
The Chanukah lights are kindled in the evening preceding each of the eight days of Chanukah. The custom of many communities (and such is the Chabad-Lubavitch custom) is to light the menorah shortly after sunset; other communities light it at nightfall (about 20-30 minutes after sunset). In either case, the menorah must contain enough fuel at the time of the lighting to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.
If one did not kindle the Chanukah lights early in the evening, they can be kindled later, as long as there are people in the streets (or others awake in the house).
IMPORTANT: It is forbidden to light a fire on Shabbat, which extends from sunset on Friday evening until nightfall on Saturday night. Therefore, on Friday evening, December 30 2005, the Chanukah Lights should be kindled early, before the Shabbat Lights, which are lit 18 minutes before sundown. Additional oil or larger candles should be used for the Chanukah Lights to make sure they will last a full half hour after nightfall.
From the time the Shabbat candles are lit (Friday evening) until Shabbat ends (after nightfall Saturday night) and until the Havdalah prayer (separating Shabbat from the weekday) is recited, the Chanukah menorah should not be re-lit, moved or prepared.
Chanukah lights for Saturday night are kindled only AFTER Shabbat ends after nightfall.
Click here for Shabbat times in your city:
http://chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.asp
-----------------------------------------------
Blessings to Recite Before Lighting the Menorah
-----------------------------------------------
On the first night of Chanukah, Sunday December 25, 2005, recite all three blessings, on all subsequent nights, recite blessings number 1 and 2.
1. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who
has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to
kindle the Chanukah light.
1. [Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam A-sher
Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner
Cha-nu-kah.]
2. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who
performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this
time.
2. [Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam She-a-sa
Ni-sim La-avo-te-nu Ba-ya-mim Ha-hem Bi-z'man Ha-zeh.]
3. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has
granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this
occasion.
3. [Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam
She-heche-ya-nu Ve-ki-yi-ma-nu Ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man
Ha-zeh.]
After kindling the lights, the Hanerot Halalu prayers are recited.
For the complete, online version with Hebrew text and multimedia options, please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/103874
-----------------------
Sitting near the Lights
-----------------------
One is not to benefit from the light of the candles, only from the shamash and other sources of light. During the time the candles are burning, it is customary to sit by the candles, and tell stories relating to the holiday.
Work should not be done in the proximity of the burning candles. Some women have a custom to refrain from household work during the half hour that the lights are burning, to honor the brave Jewish women who played a significant role in the Chanukah story.
---------------------
More Chanukah Prayers
---------------------
During the eight days of Chanukah, we recite the Al HaNissim liturgy in the Amidah (daily silent prayer) and in Grace After Meals.
The complete Hallel prayer (see your prayerbook) is also said in the morning service.
A portion of the Torah is read daily in the Synagogue during morning prayers.
-------------
Extra Charity
-------------
It is customary to increase one's daily giving to charity. On Fridays we give double the amount, to account for Shabbat.
-------------
Chanukah Gelt
-------------
It is traditional to give all children Chanukah gelt (money).
Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children's happiness and festive spirit. In addition, it gives adults an opportunity to give the children positive reinforcement for exemplary behavior, such as diligence in their studies, and acts of charity.
Chanukah Gelt is given to children after lighting the menorah. The children should be encouraged to give charity from a portion of their money.
-------------
Holiday Foods
-------------
Because of the great significance of oil in the story of the Chanukah miracle, it is traditional to serve foods cooked in oil. Among the most popular Chanukah dishes are potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts).
To view many recipes online click here: http://www.chabad.org/102819
It is also customary to eat foods made of cheese on Chanukah, in commemoration of the bravery of Yehudit.
============================
** YOUR CHANUKAH CALENDAR **
============================
For your online Chanukah Calendar click here:
http://www.chabad.org/103929
To search for your local Chanukah Events and public lightings in your area click here:
http://www.chabad.org/103839
========================
** THE CHANUKAH STORY **
========================
-----------------
Under Syrian Rule
-----------------
More than 2000 years ago there was a time when the land of Israel was part of the Syrian Empire, dominated by Syrian rulers of the dynasty of the Seleucids.
In order to relate the story that led up to Chanukah, we shall start with Antiochus III, the King of Syria, who reigned from 3538 to 3574 (222-186 B.C.E.). He had waged war with King Ptolemy of Egypt over the possession of the Land of Israel. Antiochus III was victorious and the Land of Israel was annexed to his empire. At the beginning of his reign he was favorably disposed toward the Jews and accorded them some privileges. Later on, however, when he was beaten by the Romans and compelled to pay heavy taxes, the burden fell upon the various peoples of his empire who were forced to furnish the heavy gold that was required of him by the Romans. When Antiochus died, his son Seleucus IV took over, and further oppressed the Jews.
Added to the troubles from the outside were the grave perils that threatened Judaism from within. The influence of the Hellenists (people who accepted idol-worship and the Syrian way of life) was increasing. Yochanan, the High Priest, foresaw the danger to Judaism from the penetration of Syrian-Greek influence into the Holy Land. For, in contrast to the ideal of outward beauty held by the Greeks and Syrians, Judaism emphasizes truth and moral purity, as commanded by G-d in the holy Torah. The Jewish people could never give up their faith in G-d and accept the idol-worship of the Syrians.
Yochanan was therefore opposed to any attempt on the part of the Jewish Hellenists to introduce Greek and Syrian customs into the land. The Hellenists hated him. One of them told the King’s commissioner that in the treasury of the Temple there was a great deal of wealth.
The wealth in the treasury consisted of the contributions of "half a shekel" made by all adult Jews annually. That was given for the purpose of the sacrifices on the altar, as well as for fixing and improving the Temple building. Another part of the treasury consisted of orphans’ funds which were deposited for them until they became of age. Seleucus needed money in order to pay the Romans. He sent his minister Helyodros to take the money from the treasury of the Temple. In vain did Yochanan, the High Priest, beg him not to do it. Helyodros did not listen and entered the gate of the Temple. But suddenly, he became pale with fright. The next moment he fainted and fell to the ground. After Helyodros came to, he did not dare enter again.
------------
The "Madman"
------------
A short time later, Seleucus was killed and his brother Antiochus IV began to reign over Syria (in 3586 - 174 B.C.E.). He was a tyrant of a rash and impetuous nature, contemptuous of religion and of the feelings of others. He was called "Epiphanes," meaning "the gods’ beloved." Several of the Syrian rulers received similar titles. But a historian of his time, Polebius, gave him the epithet Epimanes ("madman"), a title more suitable to the character of this harsh and cruel king.
Desiring to unify his kingdom through the medium of a common religion and culture, Antiochus tried to root out the individualism of the Jews by suppressing all the Jewish Laws. He removed the righteous High Priest, Yochanan, from the Temple in Jerusalem, and in his place installed Yochanan’s brother Joshua, who loved to call himself by the Greek name of Jason. For he was a member of the Hellenist party, and he used his high office to spread more and more of the Greek customs among the priesthood.
Joshua or Jason was later replaced by another man, Menelaus, who had promised the king that he would bring in more money than Jason did. When Yochanan, the former High Priest, protested against the spread of the Hellenists’ influence in the Holy Temple, the ruling High Priest hired murderers to assassinate him.
Antiochus was at that time engaged in a successful war against Egypt. But messengers from Rome arrived and commanded him to stop the war, and he had to yield. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, a rumor spread that a serious accident, had befallen Antiochus. Thinking that he was dead, the people rebelled against Menelaus. The treacherous High Priest fled together with his friends.
-----------
The Martyrs
-----------
Antiochus returned from Egypt enraged by Roman interference with his ambitions. When he heard what had taken place in Jerusalem, he ordered his army to fall upon the Jews. Thousands of Jews were killed. Antiochus then enacted a series of harsh decrees against the Jews. Jewish worship was forbidden; the scrolls of the Law were confiscated and burned. Sabbath rest, circumcision and the dietary laws were prohibited under penalty of death. Even one of the respected elders of that generation, Rabbi Eliezer, a man of 90, was ordered by the servants of Antiochus to eat pork so that others would do the same. When he refused they suggested to him that he pick up the meat to his lips to appear to be eating. But Rabbi Eliezer refused to do even that and was put to death.
There were thousands of others who likewise sacrificed their lives. The famous story of Hannah and her seven children happened at that time.
Antiochus’s men went from town to town and from village to village to force the inhabitants to worship pagan gods. Only one refuge area remained and that was the hills of Judea with their caves. But even there did the Syrians pursue the faithful Jews, and many a Jew died a martyr’s death.
----------
Mattityahu
----------
One day the henchmen of Antiochus arrived in the village of Modin where Mattityahu, the old priest, lived. The Syrian officer built an altar in the marketplace of the village and demanded that Mattityahu offer sacrifices to the Greek gods. Mattityahu replied, "I, my sons and my brothers are determined to remain loyal to the covenant which our G-d made with our ancestors!"
Thereupon, a Hellenistic Jew approached the altar to offer a sacrifice. Mattityahu grabbed his sword and killed him, and his sons and friends fell upon the Syrian officers and men. They killed many of them and chased the rest away. They then destroyed the altar.
Mattityahu knew that Antiochus would be enraged when he heard what had happened. He would certainly send an expedition to punish him and his followers. Mattityahu, therefore, left the village of Modin and fled together with his sons and friends to the hills of Judea.
All loyal and courageous Jews joined them. They formed legions and from time to time they left their hiding places to fall upon enemy detachments and outposts, and to destroy the pagan altars that were built by order of Antiochus.
-------------
The Maccabees
-------------
Before his death, Mattityahu called his sons together and urged them to continue to fight in defense of G d’s Torah. He asked them to follow the counsel of their brother Shimon the Wise. In waging warfare, he said, their leader should be Yehuda the Strong. Yehuda was called "Maccabee," a word composed of the initial letters of the four Hebrew words Mi Komocho Bo’eilim Hashem, "Who is like unto Thee, O G-d."
Antiochus sent his General Apolonius to wipe out Yehuda and his followers, the Maccabees. Though greater in number and equipment than their adversaries, the Syrians were defeated by the Maccabees. Antiochus sent out another expedition which also was defeated. He realized that only by sending a powerful army could he hope to defeat Yehuda and his brave fighting men.
An army consisting of more than 40,000 men swept the land under the leadership of two commanders, Nicanor and Gorgiash. When Yehuda and his brothers heard of that, they exclaimed: "Let us fight unto death in defense of our souls and our Temple!" The people assembled in Mitzpah, where Samuel, the prophet of old, had offered prayers to G-d. After a series of battles the war was won.
--------------
The Dedication
--------------
Now the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem to liberate it. They entered the Temple and cleared it of the idols placed there by the Syrian vandals. Yehuda and his followers built a new altar, which he dedicated on the twenty-fifth of the month of Kislev, in the year 3622.
Since the golden Menorah had been stolen by the Syrians, the Maccabees now made one of cheaper metal. When they wanted to light it, they found only a small cruse of pure olive oil bearing the seal of the High Priest Yochanan. It was sufficient to light only for one day. By a miracle of G-d, it continued to burn for eight days, till new oil was made available. That miracle proved that G-d had again taken His people under His protection. In memory of this, our sages appointed these eight days for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles.
For more on the Chanukah Story, please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/102816
==============
CHANUKAH LINKS
==============
- Global Event Directory
http://www.chabad.org/103839
- Chanukah How-To:
http://www.chabad.org/103902
- Multimedia:
http://www.chabad.org/103838
- Recipes:
http://www.chabad.org/102819
- Online Games:
http://www.chabad.org/103840
- Public Lights - Menorah Gallery
http://www.chabad.org/104654
- Send Greeting Cards:
http://www.chabad.org/225487
- Chanukah Insights
http://www.chabad.org/102815
- Chanukah Shop
http://www.chabad.org/333757
- NEED A MENORAH? ($4.95)
http://www.chabad.org/store/item.asp?etn=IGBGF
-------------------------------------------------------
CHABAD.ORG WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY CHANUKAH!
-------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Chanukah is just around the corner!
Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:
http://www.Chanukah.org
Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!
http://www.chabad.org/103839
Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:
http://www.chabad.org/225487
Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:
Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://www.chabad.org/dedications
Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://www.chabad.org/donate
** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/subscribe
** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?UserID=268334,10,261645,0,217
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=vacation_request&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com
** You are subscribed as: moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://www.chabad.org/go.asp?p=address_change&email=moshiachtv.maildrop@blogger.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Chabad.org
Part of the Chabad Online Network
A division of Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://www.chabad.org
Feedback: http://www.chabad.org/tools/feedback.asp
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No comments:
Post a Comment