Jews the world over are preparing for an oil crisis, but I don’t mean prices at the pump. Eastern European Jews, the majority in the U.S., have been celebrating by frying latkes (pancakes) ever since.
Growing up in Israel, one of the things I loved most about Chanukah was going to the Festigal every year. The Festigal is an annual musical show for children. It is held every year during Chanukah and throughout the month of December, traveling from city to city throughout the country. The first Festigal was in 1981 and since then it became a popular Chanukah activity for Israeli families. The performers at the Festigal are well-known Israeli singers and actors. Each year’s Festigal has ...
One of the mitzvot related to the lighting of the Chanukah candles during this eight day celebration is the placement of the Chanukiah, the special menorah used. The Code of Jewish law declares that in the days of our ancient rabbis, the Chanukah lights were lit in the doorways that led to the public thoroughfare. Nowadays the candles are lit in the house, and if there is a window facing the public place, they should be lit there.” In the rest of world though, the placement is ...