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Happy Secular New Year

Happy Secular New Year

by | Dec 19, 2015 | Chanukah and Christmas

“The Jewish Greeting for the Secular New Year” Throughout Israel, especially in Tel Aviv, the last day of the year is “party night.” On December 31st Israelis will celebrate along with the rest of the world but instead of shouting “Happy New Year,”...
Chanukah, Some New Thoughts on an Old Story

Chanukah, Some New Thoughts on an Old Story

by | Dec 15, 2015 | Chanukah

“I know what Chanukah is,” said my daughter’s seven year old friend. “It’s Jewish Christmas!” That was almost 30 years ago when my daughter, also seven, knew that Chanukah and Christmas were two different things but nonetheless she...
Chanukah Candle Lighting Blessings

Chanukah Candle Lighting Blessings

by | Dec 4, 2015 | Chanukah

The Chanukah Candle Lighting Blessings begins by understanding that we will be adding one candle to the menorah each night. The first night, you light only the shammus (the one at a different height) and one Chanukah candle. Add another candle each night: second night...