My First Chanukah

About the holiday:

Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Although it is not a major holiday, it has gained importance because it falls close to Christmas and gives the Jews their own reason to exchange presents. Everyone likes presents!

The Miracle of Chanukah is a story of revolution and perseverence. Around 164 BC the Syrians occupied Palestine and tried to destroy Judaism. The Jews raised an army to revolt and spent years fighting back the Syrians. After the Syrians defiled the holy Jewish Temple in Jerusalem the Jews, lead by Judah Maccabee, set about reconstruction. To purify the Temple they needed to burn ritual oil in a menorah or candelabra. They had only enough ritual oil to burn for one day, but the oil lasted for eight, allowing enough time to purify more oil. And that is the miracle. Now we celebrate by lighting the menorah and eating special foods (latkas and doughnuts) fried in oil. Yum!

Lauren making latkas, the traditional Chanukah potato pancake fried in oil.

Not yet sure what I think of all this. . . .

Cousin Naomi convinces me Chanukah is fun.

Naomi feeds me delicious brisket and latkas with applesauce.

Aunt Naida gives me a fresh perspective on things.

Sweet Chanukah donuts made by Grandma Judy, Naomi, and Lauren.

This is the menorah. We use the candle on the left (shamash) to use one candle per night for eight nights.