How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness

Transcription

25 Kislev – 2 Teves, 5770 • December 11 – 19, 2009
A little light
dispels much darkness
Jewish C
ad
With Heart
So
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ter
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How to
Chanuk ah
&
The soulful meaning, history,
customs, blessings, schedules
and how to celebrate.
SOME
CHA NU K AH
T HOUGH TS
Dear Friends,
Celebration!
Chanukah 5770 / 2009
3 The Rebbe’s Message
4 Eight Days of Light
8 L ight Dispelling Darkness
Stories of Love, Goodness and Light
11 The Dreidel, Chanukah Gelt
11 C hanukah Recipe
Latkes
12 L et’s Chanukah!
Holiday instructions, blessings,
schedules and candle-lighting times
14 Photo Gallery
Celebration!
Vol. 9, Issue 2
is presented to you by
Chabad Jewish Center
Rabbi Sholom B. Tenenbaum, Director
Mrs. Feigel Tenenbaum, Program Director
If you have any questions, thoughts or
comments concerning this publication,
please contact us:
Phone: 847-782-1800
[email protected]
www.chabadofgurnee.com
5101 Washington Street, Suite 32
Gurnee, IL 60031
2
One of the two Chanukah miracles,
was that of the victory of few over
many. Just as the Maccabees won the
fight of “light over dark” so many
centuries ago, the fight of goodness
over evil is a constant one, present in
the lives of each one of us. Though
the darkness around us seems to be
“many” and great, all know that it takes only a small flame
to banish much darkness.
Today, creating “light” is easier than ever. Technology and
information have put enormous power in the hands of whoever may want it.
An act of kindness which begets nothing in return, the light
of the Shabbat candles, a sacrifice of convenience to benefit
another, a small child kissing the mezuzah on the door of the
house – each of these are as bursts of light in the nighttime
sky. Rarely are they reported in the daily news, yet these
lights of kindness endure and accumulate until the darkness
must pass like a shadow.
As the dark nights get longer and the cold of winter closes in,
the Festival of Lights helps us turn our homes into beacons
that warm the world with a Divine glow. In eight short days,
the Chanukah season fuels our homes for a full year – powering up our homes to spread goodness, warmth and light to
a world sorely in need.
The theme of this guide is “A bit of light dispels much darkness”. In this spirit, we are pleased to share with our friends
stories of hope and light, warmth and love, and how negative experiences have been enlightened by the sacred, eternal
Jewish spirit. In this guide you will find history, prayers, customs, dreidel game instructions and a Chanukah recipe, to
help you capture the warmth of this celebration of life and
light that remains eternally new – as the blessing proclaims,
“Who performed miracles… in those days, at this time.”
Sincerely,
Rabbi Sholom Tenenbaum
Director, Chabad Jewish Center of Gurnee
Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadofgurnee.com
The Rebbe’s Message
The Obligation
to Illuminate the
World
C
hanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victory—more than 2100 years ago—of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people
over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that
had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the
land and its people in darkness.
The miraculous victory—culminating with the dedication
of the Sanctuary in Jerusalem and the rekindling of the
Menorah which had been desecrated and extinguished by
the enemy—has been celebrated annually ever since during
these eight days of Chanukah, especially by lighting the
Chanukah Menorah, also as a symbol and message of the
triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter,
of light over darkness.
It is a timely and reassuring message, for the forces of
darkness are ever present. Moreover, the danger does not
come exclusively from outside; it often lurks close to home,
in the form of insidious erosion of time-honored values and
principles that are at the foundation of any decent human
society. Needless to say,
darkness is not chased
away by brooms and sticks,
but by illumination. Our
sages said, “A little light
expels a lot of darkness.”
The Chanukah Lights remind us in a most obvious way
that illumination begins at home, within oneself and
one’s family, by increasing and intensifying the light of
Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday experience, even as the
Chanukah Lights are kindled in growing numbers from
day to day. But though it begins at home, it does not stop
there. Such is the nature of light that when one kindles
the Chanukah Lights are expressly meant to illuminate the
“outside,” symbolically alluding to the duty to bring light
also to those who, for one reason or another, still walk in
darkness.
What is true of the individual is true of a nation, especially
this great United States, united under G-d, and generously
blessed by G-d with material as well as spiritual riches. It
is surely the duty and privilege of this Nation to promote
all the forces of light both at home and abroad, and in a
steadily growing measure.
Let us pray that the message of the Chanukah Lights will
illuminate the everyday life of everyone personally, and of
the society at large, for a brighter life in every respect, both
materially and spiritually.
Adapted from the works of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M.
Schneerson, OBM.
This publication has been made possible in part through the generosity of
538 Johnson Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11237
www.tphny.com |
718-628-9295
Special Chanukah presentation at www.chabadofgurnee.com/Chanukah
3
Did Chanukah happen years ago or is it happening now?
Eight Days
Light
of
Looking at the events today, you start to wonder. The story of a little light pushing away an empire of darkness, human sensibility defying terror and brute force, life and growth overcoming destruction – the battle is
very much alive within each of us, and in the world outside of us.
The victory of light over darkness is the cosmic megadrama – the ongoing story of all that is. This victory
occurs at every winter solstice and at the dawn of each day. It is found in every decision to do good in the face
of evil, to be kind where there is cruelty and to build where others destroy.
Chanukah is more than just a festival commemorating a miracle of old. It is an eight-day spiritual journey.
“In those days“ Chanukah celebrated the triumph of a small group of Jews who challenged their Greek
oppressors and a little oil that miraculously kindled the lights of the menorah for eight days. Today, the spirit
of Chanukah is experienced when we apply its joy, warmth and light to our lives – not only in our homes with
our loved ones, but with the entire world.
Here are some of the eight days of the victory of light over darkness.
Night
One
Body In 175 B.C.E., Antiochus IV rose to power
over part of the former kingdom of Alexander the
Great. Unlike his predecessor, who favored co-existence, Antiochus demanded assimilation. He sent
his ministers to force Greek culture on the people of
Israel. Most Jews conformed. What else could they
do against the might of the empire?
Soul
The festival of Chanukah is about light
overcoming the darkness in the world around us in
our own life. “The soul of man is a lamp of G-d”
(Proverbs 23:27). Our personal challenge is to bring
light into the world. Chanukah candles illuminate
after nightfall, to remind us that even in our darkest
moments we have the potential to illuminate the
universe.
Did You Know...
The Menorah depicted on the ‘Arch of Titus’ and from
which the rounded Menorah shape has been copied
around the world, is NOT the Menorah that was kindled in
the Temple. The Temple Menorah had straight branches.
4
Night
Two
Body Antiochus IV did not build ghettos, force
conversions, or set out to annihilate the Jewish people,
as Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar had plotted before him.
Neither did he intend to destroy their culture. Instead,
he outlawed the observance of specific mitzvoth (Divine
actions), predicting that when the Jews would cease to
observe the precepts, it would lead to the end of Judaism
as a unique religion and nation. He wanted the Jews to
be just another conquered tribe. And so, he declared
war against their souls.
Soul
The Greeks accepted the mitzvoth as part of
“Jewish culture,” and the Torah as a great work of
“Jewish literature.” They would not tolerate the belief
that G-d, Creator of the Universe, ordained the practice of these mitzvot. In the words of the Chanukah
prayers, the Greeks set out to have the Jews forget
“[G-d’s] Torah,” and to cease observing “[G-d’s]
commandments.” Whenever we do a mitzvah, we
become G-d’s autograph on His masterpiece, declaring for all that the world is a beautiful garden, filled
with the light of its Creator—not a jungle where the
strong devour the weak.
Did You Know... The Menorah in the Temple
in Jerusalem was decorated with 22 cups — all turned upside
down! This was a sign of G-d’s blessing pouring down upon the
world.
Night
Three
Body Accepting Hellenism, the Greek culture,
meant accepting its pagan gods and philosophy. Jews who
were sympathetic to the Hellenistic view quickly gained
power and prominence. But many Jews remained loyal to
their beliefs. Eliezer, a Kohen (Jewish priest), was executed
because he refused to abandon his Jewish faith. Many
Jewish women were murdered for having their sons
circumcised. Seven sons of Hanna, a simple Jewish
woman, were put to death for refusing to bow to idols.
The big trouble for the Greeks began in the village of
Mod’in, when the aged Kohen, Mattisyahu, cried
out, “Whosoever is for G-d, join me!” The fight for
religious freedom began.
Soul
Despite that fact that the Maccabees were
fewer in strength and numbers, they would not stand
by passively. Chanukah shows us that when we take
a stand for spirituality, G-d assists us far beyond
our limitations. “Make for Me an opening even
as small as the eye of a needle, and I will open for
you an opening through which caravans can enter”
(Midrash). The journey of self-improvement begins
with our first step.
Did You Know... President Jimmy Carter
personally attended the first Menorah lighting on the White
House lawn. It was the first time Mr. Carter ventured outside
the White House in 100 days due to the Iranian Hostage crisis.
Night
Four
Body Antiochus IV outlawed three mitzvot and
made their practice punishable by death: “Shabbat,”
which is a testimony to the fact that there is a Creator Who
rested on the seventh day; “Celebrating the New Month,”
which determines when Jews can sanctify their holidays;
and “Circumcision,” which imbues holiness into the
human body. The spiritual ghetto that Antiochus IV
tried to force on the Jewish people was a world without
a Creator, time without sanctity, and a people with no
connection to the Divine.
Soul
A life without mitzvot is like a lamp without
oil. Though a person might have a burning desire to
be spiritual, concrete action is needed to ignite the
flame. Lacking the oil of genuine substance, one’s
passion can quickly fade, failing to introduce any
enduring light into the world. A million thoughts
about helping a poor person do not compare to the
beautiful act of giving even a small coin.
Did You Know...
The windows of the Holy Temple were wider outside than
in. Rather than let the sunlight in like all other windows, the
Temple windows were built to let the light of the Menorah out,
to shine into the rest of the world.
Josh Sims
Sales Associate
5
Night
Five
Night
Six
Body Mattisyahu the Kohen and his five sons began
to challenge the Greek strongholds with a group of followers called the Maccabees. Historical sources estimate
their numbers at 6,000 and Antiochus’ troops at 40,000.
Yehudis, a young widow, used cunning tactics to
assassinate Holoferenes, a vicious general. After significant losses in the cities of Shechem and Beit Choron,
Antiochus IV sent an additional 65,000 troops. The
Maccabees fought bitter yet brilliant battles that are
studied by military tacticians to this very day. After
three years and thousands of lives, the Temple was
finally free.
Body The name “Chanukah” has several different,
yet related, meanings. It comes from “kah,” the Hebrew
equivalent of 25, and “chanu,” meaning rest. On the “25th”
day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees “rested”
from their battle. It is also connected with the words “inauguration” (chanukah) and “education” (chinuch): The
Maccabees “re-inaugurated” the Temple service, forever
serving as role models, or educators, to future generations.
Soul On Chanukah, we celebrate two miracles:
the victory of the Maccabees over the forces of
the natural desire of a soul is to “jump up” to G-d,
to break free of physical limitations. The wick and
candle anchor a flame; a physical body grounds the
soul, forcing the sould to do its job, to give light and
warmth. The human body, precious and holy, is likened to the Holy Temple. The Baal Shem Tov advised
against asceticism, fasts, and hurting the body. Better,
he would say, to use your body to perform a deed of
kindness.
Antiochus IV and the miracle of the oil, which
burned for eight days. The victory in the battlefield
was miraculous, but it was physical. The miracle of
the oil, which enabled the Jewish people to resume
the service in the Holy Temple, was spiritual. Jews
all over the world will light their menorahs forever.
The Chanukah struggle is found within each of
us. Chassidic teachings explain that we have two
souls: one is drawn to the spiritual, the other to the
physical. We reconcile this duality by being involved
with the material world but toward a spiritual end.
This is why the Torah’s mitzvot require physical
action. When the physical in engaged for spiritual
purposes, the conflict is transformed into peace and
harmony. A world of peace begins with inner peace.
When we make peace within, it affects our homes,
our environment, and eventually the entire world.
Soul
What does a soul look like? Look at a flame
of a candle. A flame is bright, jumping, never resting;
Did You Know...
Chanukah, which begins on the 25th day of Kislev, is really comprised of two words: ‘Chanu KaH’ which means, ‘They rested on
the 25th,’ alluding to the 25th day of Kislev. (The Hebrew letters
‘Kaf’ and ‘Hei’ add up to the numerical value of 25.
Did You Know...
The menorah on the fifth night of Chanukah recalls the ultimate advantage of good over evil, its five illuminated lamps
outnumbering the three remaining unlit.
6
Night
Seven
Body Victory turned bittersweet when the
Maccabees found that the Temple was desecrated and
the pure oil needed to light the menorah was defiled.
Miraculously, the Maccabees discovered a single jar
of pure oil, with the seal of the Kohen Gadol (Jewish
high priest) intact. With this oil, the holy Temple
was re-inaugurated.
Soul Chassidic teachings explain that the
essence of a soul can never be defiled. This spark
of holiness continuously burns and longs to be
fanned into a great flame. The universe is inherently good (Genesis 1:31). But there are times
when darkness invades G-d’s world. At such
times, we search for the hidden “single jar of
pure oil,” the pure and indestructible spark of
divinity within us that radiates goodness and
holiness.
Did You Know...
We spin the dreidel from the top, unlike the Purim
noisemaker which is rotated from the bottom, because the
miracle of Chanukah was clearly from Above, in a manner
that was higher than nature.
Night
Eight
Body The small jar of oil was only enough to
light the Temple’s menorah for one day. To prepare
more oil would require a process of at least seven days.
After defeating the world’s most powerful army and
gaining religious freedom for generations to come, the
Maccabees were not about to give up. The lit the
menorah with the little oil they found, and miraculously, the menorah shone for eight days—plus
2000 years, as Chanukah continues to illuminate
our home and world today.
Soul
The Baal Shem Tov said, “The difference between nature and a miracle is only the
frequency.” Why does G-d perform miracles?
Without miracles, one might believe that the
laws of physics define reality. However, once we
see the inexplicable, we become aware of a transcendent reality. We then understand that nature
itself is miraculous.
Judaism teaches that the ultimate miracle
is not the splitting of the sea, manna from
heaven, or the sun standing still. It is described
as the subtle yet dramatic transformation of
the universe that will occur with the arrival
of Moshiach. At that time, nature itself will
uncover its miraculous essence. What is now
perceived as a wall will be revealed as a bridge.
How can we bring about this miracle? With the
light of our collective mitzvot.
Did You Know...
Meeting Rooms Available
Shabbat candles are lit before dark, inside our home. By
contrast, Chanukah’s candles have to light into the darkness
of the night, and near a window facing out into the street.
Shabbat candles bring light within, but the Chanukah lights
go further, also transforming the darkness outside.
For candlelighting schedules and
blessings, see pages 12 & 13.
7
In conjunction with Chanukah, the festival of light, and the holiday
symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, we are pleased to present
you – throughout this publication – with contemporary stories of
darkness and light & love and light overcoming hate and darkness.
How Love Dispelled
Hatred
I
was thumbing a ride on the highway in Israel. A car
full of yeshiva boys pulled over to pick me up. Lo and
behold, these were my old pals from my school days
in the Lubavitch yeshiva, though I had long since dropped
out of the yeshiva system. So, there I was, in my jeans and
t-shirt and with my long hair, riding along with a bunch
of chasidic yeshiva boys with their beards and black hats. I
remember a time in my life when I looked just like them.
But, now things were different.
It was Purim. And as a tradition for many years, Chabad
Lubavitch Chassidim in Israel go to army bases on Purim to
give Shalach Manos to the soldiers, say a little le’chaim and
cheer them up. These Yeshiva boys who picked me up were
on their way to an army base in the northern part of Israel
for just such a mission.
“Come along with us,” my old friends said. “It will be
fun. Like old times.”
I could not resist. Their warmth, their love, just overcame
me. I agreed.
As we arrived, the security guard welcomed us with open
arms. “Sure! Chabad Lubavitch? Come on in!” he said as he
waved us through.
8
As we entered, however, the chief commander gave us
quite a different reception.
“Chabad, Lubavitch, out of here! You have no place here!
Get out!”
My friends felt defeated and turned to leave. Something
in me, however, made me decide not to take no for an
answer. Since I did not look like the yeshiva boys, I was able
to sort of sneak back in. No one recognized me as a member
of the group that had just been kicked off of the base.
I went over to the commander and confronted him.
“How come you threw out those Lubavitch boys? Don’t
you know the soldiers will be so happy to see them, to
receive some hamantashen, and say Lechayim on Purim?
The Lubavitchers always know how to cheer up the soldiers.”
The commander responded, “Listen, a big part of my life
I learned in…” (a non-Chasidic yeshiva, whose stance was
vehemently opposed to that of Lubavitch, particularly in
regard to the non-judgemental and open attitude Lubavitch
has toward non-religious and non-observant Jews.)
“Since then,” he continued, “I threw away all my beliefs.
I threw away Shabbat, Kosher. I just don’t believe in any of
it anymore. But there is one thing that remains in me and
that is my disdain for Lubavitch. “
From nowhere, I instantly responded:
“Listen to me, I learned in Lubavitch Yeshiva, and I, too,
threw away my Jewishness. I threw away Shabbat, Kosher,
and Torah laws. But there is one thing that remains in me
and that is the love of every Jew.”
When Faith
Burned Bright
By Harry Langsam
Photo: Lubavitch.com
I then reached out and gave the commander a big,
strong hug.
I released him from my embrace, and we stood there
face to face. The commander just stared at me in silence.
It seemed like he was trying to hold back – I couldn’t tell
for sure – a smile or a tear. Without so much as a word,
he turned, waved at the gate guard and barked his orders,
“Alright, what are you waiting for already? Let them in!”
D
ark clouds covered the European skies, threatening us all in the fall of 1939. The Nazis tightened
their grip over Eastern Europe, and nature acted
unfriendly toward the oppressed. A cold winter came
upon us, the refugees, after the traumatic and dreadful
fall, when the German occupation began.
Jewish refugees who barely escaped the Nazi savage
were not met with open arms by the Soviet authorities.
The Soviets had recently invaded the eastern part of
Poland. They turned every public building into a temporary prison where refugees from the Nazis were incarcerated under the suspicion that there might be German
spies among them.
My older brother, Simcha, and I were lucky to be
imprisoned in a real prison, the infamous “Brigidkes,” in
Levov (Lwow). This was where political prisoners were
kept during the Polish fascist regime till the outbreak of
WWII. Fifty-eight people were deposited in one cell that
could hardly hold twenty-five. The majority of the prisoners were Jews detained while crossing the San River,
which became the newly established border between the
Soviets and Germany.
We suffered horribly, morally and physically. The
Soviets stripped us naked while searching our belongings
and confiscated every valuable, including items that were
close to our souls. They confiscated all our prayer books,
prayer shawls and Tefillin. This added to our depressive
mood when our thoughts were with our beloved ones.
Our only happy moments were the times we spent wearing the Tefillin, which one man successfully smuggled
into the cell. The pleasure lasted only a minute or two,
because everyone was eager to partake in the mitzvah
Mr. Abraham Rothman
www.centurywriteups.com
Your Income Statement Specialists
9
daily. Most of the refugees were religious, and it was hard
for us to digest the non-kosher food served. Only a few
holdouts survived on bread and water only.
Among us was one unique personality. His name was Reb
Shmuel Nachum Emmer, a pious Chassid, an angel from
Heaven. He supported us spiritually, and consoled us. His
love for a fellow Jew was immeasurable. He never became
angry with people who weren’t observant. On the contrary,
whenever he talked someone into reciting a blessing over
food, or not to smoke on the Sabbath, it made him the
happiest man in the cell.
But when Chanukah came, Reb Shmuel’s face filled with
sadness.
“How in the world are we going to light Chanukah candles?” he lamented.
We all felt his pain but could not help him. We found no
10
words to cheer him up. Unless another miracle occurred,
we had no chance to observe Chanukah in a Soviet prison.
Everyone was heartbroken the first night of Chanukah,
Reb Shmuel more than anyone else. After the whistle that
signaled that it was time to lie down on our bare beds, the
lights in our cell were left burning, as was customary around
the world that in prison the lights never go out.
But around midnight the light did go out. A power failure occurred in the prison compound. Soon after, the guard
ran from cell to cell distributing candles so the prisoners
should not be in the dark. When the guard opened our cell
door with a box of candles in his hands, someone sneaked
behind his back and pulled the bottom flap of the box open
and the candles spilled all over the floor.
Needless to say, the guard never collected all the spilled
candles. As soon as the guard left, we quietly gathered in
a corner, and Reb Shmuel, with a radiant face, lit the first
Chanukah candle with great devotion. We quietly sang
Chanukah songs, and the stronger believers were convinced
that it was a Divine act, that a real miracle had occurred.
We managed to light a small candle each night during
the eight days of the Festival of Lights. Believe it or not, in
a certain way, we had a happy Chanukah.
The Dreidel
Chanukah Gelt
The game of dreidel is one of the oldest recorded
games in history. When the Greeks, who occupied
Israel, deemed Jewish rituals and the study of
Torah punishable by death, teachers and their
students defiantly studied Torah in secret. When
patrols came by, they would pretend to be
playing an innocent game.
On Chanukah, it is traditional to give gelt (money) to children,
and adults as well, after lighting the menorah. The recipients
are encouraged to give a portion of their gift to tzedakah
(charity). Maimonides explained that the Greeks attempted
to defile not only Jewish rituals, but also Jewish property. It is,
therefore, appropriate to celebrate Chanukah by dedicating a
portion of our property to charity.
The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top. A
Hebrew letter is written on each side: Nun, Gimel,
Hay, and Shin, representing the phrase Nes Gadol
Haya Sham – A Great Miracle Happened There.
The triumph of Chanukah is also celebrated by giving
additional charity during each day of the festival. On
Fridays, we give double the amount to account for
Shabbos (when money is not permitted to be
handled).
Each player begins with a certain number of coins,
candy, or any kind of token. Each player puts a
token into the pot. The youngest player spins the
dreidel first. The letter facing upward determines
the pay-off.
nNun = nothing
gGimmel = everything
hHay = half
qShin = add 2 tokens to the pot
Chanukah Latkes
By the light of the Chanukah Menorah, young and old
enjoy this crisp, holiday treat!
Ingredients: 5 large potatoes, peeled • 1 large onion
3 eggs • 1/3 cup flour • 1 tsp. Salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup oil for frying
Use: 10-inch skillet • Yields: 4 to 6 servings
Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater, or in a food processor; or
put in a blender with a little water. • Strain grated potatoes and onion through a
colander, pressing out excess water. Add eggs, flour, and seasoning. Mix well. • Heat
1/2 cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large tablespoon batter at a time into hot
sizzling oil and fry on one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Turn over and
fry on other side 2 to 3 minutes. • Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess
oil. Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding more oil when necessary.
Serve with applesauce or sour cream on the side.
Excerpted from: Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook
11
Saturday night) and the Havdalah
prayer (separating Shabbat from
weekday) is recited, the Chanukah
Menorah should not be re-lit, moved
or prepared.
Sitting by the Lights
“Chanukah” means “dedication,” and
as we sing “Haneiros Hallalu”, the
Chanukah Lights are devoted to our
spiritual celebration; thus, we are not
to derive physical benefit from them,
only from the shamash.
Let’s Chanukah!
Setting up the Menorah
A Chanukah menorah has eight
candleholders in one straight row of
equal height. The Shamash (servant
candle), which is used to light the
menorah, is placed higher or set aside
from the others. A menorah which
uses electric candles can be used as
a Chanukah decoration, but does not
achieve the mitzvah (connection to
the Divine, or privilege) of lighting the
menorah.
Candles may be used, but because
of its role in the Chanukah miracle,
a menorah of oil is of special
significance. The candles used, must
burn for at least half an hour.
Placement of the Menorah
While the Chanukah menorah lighing
can be a deeply personal experience,
it is not a private celebration. Essential
to the mitzvah of Chanukah lighting is
publicizing the miracle of Chanukah.
So we place the menorah in the
doorway opposite the mezuzah, (so
that the two Mitzvot surround us,)
or by a window clearly visible to the
outside.
Who lights the Menorah?
The Chanukah miracle is for everyone
to share and all members of the family
should be present at the kindling of
12
the Chanukah Menorah. It is best that
each one has its own menorah; and
children, too, should be encouraged
to light their own candles. Students
and singles living in dormitories or
their own apartments should kindle
Menorahs in their own rooms.
How to Light the Menorah?
Before lighting, say the appropriate
blessing. Use the Shamash to light
the first candle on your far right side
of the menorah. On the second night,
light an additional candle to the left of
the candle lit the night before. Light
the “new” candle first, followed by the
one directly to its right. Repeat this
pattern each night of Chanukah. After
lighting the candles recite Hanairos
Hallolu (see page 13).
The Menorah Before
and After Shabbat
On Friday afternoon, we light the
Chanukah candles just before the
Shabbat candles. (On Shabbat, the
holy day of rest, it is prohibited to
ignite a flame.) On Saturday, the
Chanukah candles are not lit until the
end of Shabbat, after the Havdalah
prayer is recited.
Note: From the time the Shabbat
candles are lit (Friday evening)
until Shabbat ends (after nightfall
“Chanukah” also means “education,”
and it is customary to sit by the
Menorah as the candles burn, telling
stories and lessons related 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 Chanukah lights are
burning, to honor the brave Jewish
women who played a significant role
in the Chanukah story.
THE BLESSINGS
1
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech
Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vosov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah.
2
Ho-olom She-o-so Ni-sim La-avo-sei-nu
Ba-yo-mim Ho-heim Bi-z’man Ha-zeh.
3
Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-yi-mo-nu
Ve-higi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.
Blessing #3 is said only on the first evening (or the
first time one kindles the lights this Chanukah).
5770/2009 Menorah Kindling Schedule
Friday, Dec. 11 Before Shabbos
candle lighting (see chart below)
Blessings 1, 2 & 3
Saturday, Dec. 12 After Shabbos
ends (see chart below)
Blessings 1 & 2
Monday, Dec. 13 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Tuesday, Dec. 14 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Tuesday, Dec. 15 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Wednesday, Dec. 16 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Thursday, Dec. 17 After nightfall
Blessings 1 & 2
Friday, Dec. 18 Before Shabbos candle
lighting (see chart below)
Blessings 1 & 2
Shabbos Candle Lighting Schedule
Friday, DECEMBER 11 Shabbos Candle Lighting Time
4:01
Saturday, DECEMBER 12 Shabbos Ends
5:06
Friday, DECEMBER 18 Shabbos Candle Lighting Time
4:03
Saturday, DECEMBER 19 Shabbos Ends
5:08
Haneiros Hallalu
We kindle these lights (to commemorate) the
saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have
performed for our forefathers, in those days at this
time, through Your holy Kohanim. Throughout the
eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred
and we are not permitted to make use of them
in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great
Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for
Your salvations.
Al HaNissim
During the eight days of the Chanukah prayer
we recite Al HaNissim in the Amidah (daily silent
prayer) and in the grace after meals.
The complete Hallel prayer (see your prayerbook)
is also said in the morning services.
A portion of the Torah is read daily in the
Synagogue during morning services.
13
Farbrengen - 20 Cheshvan 5770
Jewish Learning Institute - Soulquest Course
Jewish Enrichment Program
Havdalah Workshop
14
Mommy
‘n Me
Sukkot Celebration
Sukkah on Wheels
15
Chabad Jewish Center of Gurnee
5101 Washington Street, Suites 31-32
Gurnee, IL 60031
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHABAD OF GURNEE
Permit #66
December 15
Begins at 5:00pm
Menorah
at the Mall
Join us this year as we light the Chanukah
Candles on a Large Ice Menorah!
Sizzling Latkes & Delicious Doughnuts
Entertainment • Live Music
Chanukah Craft for the Kids • Grand Raffle
This program is sponsored by Premier Chiropractic
and John and Jamie Bouma
For more info please call
(847) 782-1800 or visit
www.chabadofgurnee.com/chanukah
Vision Care Consultants, LTD
914 N. Green Bay Rd.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 855-1400
Fax: (847) 599-1309
Dr. Alla Lerman

How to Chanukah A little light dispels much darkness

Transcription

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