Home > Holiday Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYour Hanukkah traditions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Growing up, Chanukah was a big deal for me .
My family had a well-practiced routing for lighting the candles nightly. My dad would dip into a drawer where we kept a few spare yarmulkes. We only used those yarmulkes to say the Chanukah blessings.
Every other holiday they remained put away or we borrowed ones when we went to Temple. Then my dad would pull out an old paper that had the blessings in Hebrew and their English translations. We’d recite the blessing in Hebrew and than in English as the candles were lit. I’d get a present on a few night. For my family, eight nights of presents was a myth.
One night, my family would host a Chanukah party where all my relatives would come over. Of course latkes were a staple. A few years my mom even made a Chanukah house (colored mostly blue and white) using molds and melted chocolate.
Yes, it tasted much better than gingerbread. We didn’t play much dreidel because we all knew it was a boring game. The Chanukah party was definitely a night I looked forward to.
What are your Chanukah traditions?
Services »
Comments
By seh
December 16, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
…and he didn’t even deny the Holocaust. Nice BLT, LOL. Find out who he is and introduce him to some homemade latkes, like I prepare. TP seems like the type to enjoy the dreidel song too. Lighten up.
By seh
December 16, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Now I’ll admit WPWW went too far with his usury and ZOG bit. He needs some gelt to cheer him up.
By Peadawg
December 17, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Merry Christmas everyone!
By Disappointed
December 17, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I was really excited to read other traditions after being bombarded with Jesus and Christmas at my office holiday party. I have to say that I’m disappointed to come on here and see that either 1) people are still talking about christmas and 2) there may have been anti-semitic comments. Why is it such a big deal to have something for Jewish people?
By Sunny
December 17, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Lord, have Mercy. I grew up Jewish and am now Christian. I love BOTH holidays. I think I have the best of both worlds. Jesus WAS Jewish and the Jews just believe that he is not the Messiah and did not rise on Easter. Jews do believe in God. Peopelused to ask me that allthe time as a kid. Is it s misnomer. Anyone can beleive anything they want to. And we should ALL respect each other for our differnt beliefs. I still keep the door open at Passover for Elijah. It’s all good. Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness, and Wishes of Good Health are the real meanings of The Season. Whay can’t we all just get along? Ever heard of Co-existing? Oh, and I also LOVE the Dali-Lama and Buddahism. Great, postive religion. There is a Phrase that goes: We cannot change ONE MINUTE of the PAST, btu we can do something about the future. Stop all the anger and try and spread LOVE. LOVE comes in ALL religions. It is what this world needs most. SO - - - HAPPY HOLIDAYS to EVERYBODY!
By Mary
December 17, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Hello,
I am looking for some help with Hanukkah traditions! I am Catholic and know very little about Hanukkah My boyfriend of only 4months grew up Jewish and now lives here with no family around. So I’m wondering what I could do to make this time of year more special for him?? I know there is a time of gift giving, correct? A gift for seven night? Ok so like I said I know very little! Can someone help me, I a interested in the gift giving part and wondered when that begins and if there is a type of present that represents each night?? Alright, ANY information is welcomed!!!
Thanks for reading! Mary
By Actually...
December 18, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this
Actually, Sunny,
Hanukkah has nothing to do with peace and love. It’s about standing up for what you believe in no matter who tries to get you to change your beliefs.
The Assyrians tried to get all of the Jews to stop being Jewish and accept their religion. Instead, the Jews revolted and fought back. That’s what Hanukkah is about.
So, coexistence is great, once you stop trying to add meaning to something that isn’t there, or force your beliefs on someone else.
By Actually...
December 18, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
(that last comment should say “peace and love.” Hanukkah has nothing do with peace and love.