Many Jewish holidays commemorate events invested with historical and religious meaning. Hanukkah means "dedication," and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments and to lead Jewish lives.
When all is said and done, perhaps the most important message of Hanukkah may be found in the name of the holiday itself: Dedication. When Jews have dedicated themselves, through faith and action, to the pursuit of high religious and human ideals, Judaism has been strong. That imperative, to strengthen our religion and our people, remains an important challenge at this season, in every generation. Hanukkah begins this year (5763/2002) on the evening of November 29th.
The Candles - The First Blessing
Praised are You,
Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who made us holy through Your commandments
and commanded us
to kindle the Hannukah lights.
The Second Blessing
Praised are You,
Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors
in those ancient days
at this season.
The Third Blessing
Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe,
Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
Hanukkah is accompanied by a rich set of traditional foods, games and rituals. Key to these traditions are: gelt, or gold-foil wrapped chocolate coins; potato pancakes called latkes and other foods; the menorah; and dreidels, or spinning tops.
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