MAIN Home Life Holiday Chanukah

At Chanukah, Jewish families around the world delight in the story of the miracle lamp that remained lit for nine days and the wealth of festive traditions that surround the lighting of the menorah.

This is not a major religious holiday, but it is the favorite of many children. Latkes, dreidels, special blessings and songs go hand in hand with gifts, candy and Hanukkah Gelt to add a bit of children's fun to the celebrations.

The story of the outnumbered Maccabees victory over the Syrian army sent to destroy them is still relevant today. The ancient tale ends with the Maccabees return to Jerusalem where they rebuilt and reconsecrated the altar in the temple.

The temple's golden Menorah had been stolen by the Syrians. The Maccabees crafted a new one, but there was only a small amount of oil... only enough to burn for one day. The faithful people lit the lamp and by a miracle, it continued to burn for eight days. In memeory of the joyful miracle, these eight days were dedicated for an annual thanksgiving celebration and for lighting candles.

When is Chanukah? Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanukkak or any other Western spelling, the festival of lights begins this year at sunset on December 11, 2009 - and is celebrated until December 19, 2009

We hope your holiday is made brighter with these menorah lighting guides, recipes, interactive games, history and trivia, songs and music from these top sites...

Virtual Chanukah - This whole site is a mitzvah! From the ancient to the present - from the miraculous to the secular including a schedule of menorah lightings around the globe, video clips, audio files, and a Chanukah How-to for blessings, menorah arranging and lighting, and a fun kid's guide.

Torah 101 - This site is wonderful for finding out all about the history and the religious significance of the holiday. Of course a recipe for latkes is also included.

Torah.org - If you're confused about how many lights should be lit each night or the prayers involved in this ritual, check the online menorah. Just remember their warning... "Rabbinic authorities agree: you can't fulfill the Mitzvah by looking at a computer screen!"

Happy Chanukah from Aish.com - Extensive info including the basics, along with a complete How -To Guide featuring an animated menorah, a list of blessings, tips on party planning and anything else you ever wanted to know about the holiday.

Latkes Recipes - Hanukkah - All Recipes - Visitor submitted and rated recipes with complete ingredients and instructions, plus browse around for more on homemade apple sauce, brisket dinners and more holiday recipes.

Torah Tots Interactive Page - Lots of coloring pages to print and more, and don't miss the online dreidel game. Click on the spinning dreidel and it tells you what the Hebrew character means and explains the right move.

Chanukah/ Jewish Graphics & Clip Art - Check out a link list leading to images, graphics theme sets and clip art including Star of Davids, gelt, menorahs and more.

Zipple.com Chanukah - A truly extensive list of links on this holiday from an excellent site. Although religious significance is often lost in the commercial aspects, this mini-directory strikes a good balance.

Free Chanukah E-Cards - Pick from a variety of menorah and dreidel images to send along with recipe attachments and music.

also see in Holidays -> Purim | Rosh Hashana | Yom Kippur

also see in Religion -> Judaism