Hanukkah Lights Signify Importance Of Peace The Torah explicitly, and our celebration of hanukkah implicitly,teach that brotherly strife can lead to the destruction of all. http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/991203/torah.shtml
Extractions: (Genesis 37:1-40:23/Vayeshev) Maimonides, the 12th century halachic (Jewish legal) codifier and philosopher, concludes his Laws of Hanukkah by describing the significance of the Hanukkah lights: "The commandment of the Hanukkah lights is extremely beloved; every individual must take great care ... to intensify our praise and gratitude to God for the miracles God has wrought for us. (If a person is poor), oil to kindle the Hanukkah lights (must take) precedence over the purchase of wine for the sanctification of the Sabbath ... because it contains the remembrance of the miracle" (Chapter 4, Laws 11, 13). Maimonides concludes with a resounding declaration: "If a person must choose between (purchasing) candles for the Sabbath or candles for Hanukkah ... or between Sabbath candles or kiddush wine, Sabbath candles take precedence because of the household peace (which the Sabbath lights symbolize). ... The Torah was given only in order to make peace in the world, as it is written: 'Its paths are paths of pleasantness, and all its roads lead to peace' " (Chapter 4, Law 13).
Hanukkah Calls For Partnership With God hanukkah and Joseph teach us that God effectuates miracles in history but notwithout the human initiative of God's very special partners without whom http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/001222/torah.shtml
Extractions: Vayeshev/Genesis 37:1-40:23 Is our God primarily creator of the universe, lord of nature and the cyclical seasons of the calendar, or is God primarily the invisible director of historical events, guardian of Israel who is the eventual redeemer? It's timely to raise questions based upon Maimonides' - the Rambam's - laws of Hanukkah - and at the same time answer this question. First, toward the end of the Festival portion of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, we find a combined section covering the laws of Purim and Hanukkah - but strangely enough, the laws of Purim precede those of Hanukkah, even though Hanukkah falls before Purim when we look at the calendar. Why does Maimonides change the natural and logical order?
FamilyFun: Development: Five Important Lessons The Holidays Teach Our Kids SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEASON Whether it's the eight nights of hanukkah, the seven Takingthe time to teach these fundamental lessons can help our children grow http://familyfun.go.com/raisingkids/child/dev/feature/metp127lessons/metp127less
Extractions: Despite the frustration and fatigue the holidays can bring, we must remember they are also chock-full of wonderful traditions and simple yet valuable lessons that instill the importance of family and the spirit of the season into the lives of our children. It is up to us as parents to make sure these five important lessons don't get lost in the greed and commercialism that also have, unfortunately, become a part of the season. It was the puzzled, apathetic look on her son's face when his cousin opened the gift he supposedly 'bought' him that sent Carol Davidson into action. "My son had no clue what he had bought and couldn't have cared less about his cousin's reaction. I made the lists, budgeted money for the gifts, did all the shopping, all the wrappingeverything. I knew right then that I had denied my son the spirit of giving, of knowing what it feels like to scrimp and save, going to the store and picking out a gift with that person in mind and then to wrap it especially for him."
FamilyFun: Hanukkah And Kwanzaa: Embracing All Traditions Holidays hanukkah AND KWANZAA EMBRACING ALL TRADITIONS teach your childrenhow different cultures celebrate by Joanne McFadden, 1 of 3. I http://familyfun.go.com/parties/holiday/feature/hudv128others/hudv128others.html
Extractions: of 3 I grew up in an interfaith familywith a twist. My parents were both Christians; in fact, my father became a minister when I was still in elementary school. But while I waited for Santa Claus to bring my presents on Christmas morning, my brother was celebrating Hanukkah in Jerusalem. His unexpected conversion opened doors for us that probably never would have been opened otherwise. While many families are torn apart by differing faiths, we learned how important and broadening it can be to understand different religions and cultures.
Hanukkah Before Peroistroika By Rabbi Goldie Milgram She tells of making a hanukkah menorah out of a carved potato as a child, not forfun, but She says you must teach her about the Torah, explains the translator http://www.rebgoldie.com/HanukahRussia.htm
Extractions: by Rabbi Goldie Milgram Journal from the Journey We are en route to Tula, home of the samovar and location of the Tolstoy estate. I am very excited to be going there, having been granted scholars rights to access the books in his library, a side benefit of the Hanukkah seminar for Jewish women and girls we have been requested to give there. This first leg of the journey is a few days in Moscow is to get over the colossal jet lag inevitable with such a long flight. At a bed and breakfast apartment our host shows us to our room. We ask for a good place to put down the Torah we have with us, explaining it is a precious object. She shows us a bed where the Torah can rest for safe-keeping. Given the high price of meat, my vegetarian-style of keeping kosher is less a curiosity than a relief to her. In the former Soviet Union anything can be made out of a potato. We have potato blini , potato krepla h more potato blini . By day three I receive a bowl of red beet borsht with potatoes with glee - hurray for variety. That third and last night of our stay, I step into the hall to go to the bathroom and almost step on our host. She is sleeping on the floor! Why?
Hanukkah: Oil For Light Or Oil For Profit? a public candlelighting vigil at Big Oil company offices;; a hanukkah candle-lighting/teach-in that dedicates one candle to learning about oil, one candle to http://www.shalomctr.org/html/seas33.html
Extractions: Shalom Center By Arthur Waskow The likelihood is growing that US oil and gasoline prices are going to be very painful this winter. (For the most recent information, see p. 1, NYTimes, 9/11/00.) (a) those who heat their homes with oil (but natural-gas prices are also climbing in synch); (b) those who depend on autos for transportation and business; and (c) those who will be affected as businesses have to pay higher fuel costs and either raise prices or clamp down on workers, to protect their profits. They will also raise serious environmental-policy questions, in more subtle ways. So Hanukkah time (first candle: evening of Thursday, Dec 21; Sunday, the third day of Hanukkah, is Dec 24) may be a perfect time for Jewish environmental and social-justice activists to raise major questions about the Global Gobble of Big Oil and other global corporations. (a) the rhythms of the sun/moon/earth as they dance with each other (while addiction to gasoline over-use damages the rhythms of the earth);
Happy Hanukkah Wallhanging an excellent way to teach very young children about the traditions of hanukkah. Anexcellent way to teach very young children about the traditions of hanukkah. http://www.babyheirlooms.com/pages/PL4129.html
Pathfinders For Kids: Hanukkah grade class, wishes she celebrated Christmas like her best friend Lucy, until oneyear when she decides to learn all about hanukkah and to teach her family http://infozone.imcpl.org/kids_path_hanukkah.htm
Welcome To The EHow Index Christmas. teach Children the Meaning of hanukkah, teach Children theMeaning of Thanksgiving, Throw a Children's Birthday Party. Treat http://www.ehow.com/center/index.jsp?indexID=1018
Www.jewishfamily.com/jc/holidays/hanukkah/four_children.txt The key is to teach her that hanukkah is not less fun than Christmas, it's justa different holiday and a tradition that she happens to be a part of. http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc/holidays/hanukkah/four_children.txt
Extractions: In the Passover Haggadah, we read about the four children, and how best to teach our heritage with each type of child. Likewise, there are four types of children who might be celebrating Hanukkah instead of Christmas, and there is an appropriate way to share our traditions with each of them. The wise child asks, "How will we celebrate Hanukkah this year?" The wise child understands that your family shares this special holiday, even if all of his friends seem to be celebrating something else. He may understand some of the tradition behind it, but is eager to know more, and excited about celebrating together with your family. You should encourage the wise child as much as possible, for he is willing to learn and wants to understand. Explain the full Hanukkah story to him, and let him participate as much as possible. Have him not only light candles and spin dreidels, but have him tell you why we celebrate in his own words once you have said the prayers together. Share with him the full story of Hanukkah, the story of Judah Maccabee. King Antiochus wanted the Jews to abandon their religion and worship the Greek gods instead. Judah formed a small rebel band who took the name Maccabee (literally, "hammer") and refused to bow to Antiochus and his idols. They eventually drove the Syrians out of Israel, and then went about the business of rebuilding their temple and cleaning out all the Greek symbols. This rededication of the temple is how the holiday got its name, Hanukkah (literally, "rededication").
Re Teach Me TALK CHAT ONLINE FORUM COMMUNITY PINK FLOYD MUSIC CONCERTS SHOW ALBUM LISTINGS EVENTSSCHEDULE hanukkah SPECIALTY STORE hanukkah SPECIALTY STORE Re teach me. http://www.clockdiscountstore.com/common/message.htrl/clock/discount/store/48395
Great Stuff For Teachers - December 2000 V.1 TeacherVision.com rituals, and reflection. Use our hanukkah references to teach your studentsabout the meaning of the Festival of Lights. Have fun with http://teachervision.com/tv/lounge/newsletter/greatstuff/gsdec100.html
Extractions: (This is our email newsletter that you can receive free!) Sign up December 2000, Volume 1 Dear Teacher, December is a very busy time for all of us. We want to celebrate the holiday season with our students, and spend time teaching core subjects. This month we have lessons, references, and craft ideas which will quickly enhance your holiday curriculum. When I taught in Los Angeles my students loved to romanticize about snow. Learning about winter really inspired their imaginations. You can concentrate on the drama of winter brings by using science and math activities like Viewing Snowflakes, or Understanding Glacial Pressure. Perform the play "The Snow Kids," or read about the Great White Hurricane of 1888. Our Christmas theme page has an extensive list of craft ideas. You'll also find the full text of "The Gift of the Magi," tests and project ideas for "The Best Christmas Pageant," a multiplication lesson concerning party favors, and other related references.
Festivals Of Light Around The World teach your students how to say Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) and BonneAnnee (Happy New Year) to each other. Happy hanukkah is Joyeux hanukkah http://www.everythingesl.net/lessons/light_festivals.php
Extractions: 2 Dec 2001 The diversity in many classrooms provides a starting point for children to begin to understand and value the many distinct cultures of the world. What better way to do that than to feature a winter unit on light festivals from around the world. Teach your students about the cultural traditions in France, Sweden, Thailand, Philippines, India, Egypt, Holland, and Mexico. More light festivals will be added so keep checking back. When English language learners see their home cultures and languages being studied in the classroom, they feel their culture has been validated. This helps to develop positive self-esteem in culturally and linguistically diverse children. Introduce this unit by having students find out how to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's in different languages. According to folk tradition, December 13th follows the longest night of the year in Sweden. During the winter there are only a few hours of sunlight each day. St. Lucia is honored this day with her wreath of candles. The oldest girl in the family is declared St. Lucia on December 13th. On this day she dresses up wearing a white robe with a red sash and a wreath with candles on her head.
ADL Resources - Religion In The Public Schools holidays. Better still, Mr. Parker could avail himself of one of themany books about hanukkah and prepare himself to teach the lesson. http://www.adl.org/religion_ps/religion.asp
Extractions: Education Religion in the Public Schools Religion in the Curriculum General Rule: Public schools may not teach religion, although teaching about religion in a secular context is permitted. School District of Abington Township, PA v. Schempp , 374 U.S. 203 (1963). The Bible may be taught in a school, but only for its historical, cultural or literary value and never in a devotional, celebratory or doctrinal manner, or in such a way that encourages acceptance of the Bible as a religious document. Religion may be presented as part of a secular educational program. Programs that "teach about religion" are geared toward teaching students about the role of religion in the historical, cultural, literary and social development of the United States and other nations. These programs should instill understanding, tolerance and respect for a pluralistic society. When discussing religion in this context, religion must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced and factual manner. Such programs should educate students about the principle of religious liberty as one of the fundamental elements of freedom and democracy in the United States.
Biblical Holidays Message Board - Hanukkah Stuff Here is a site that has free hanukkah worksheets and stuff http//www.teachnology.com/worksheets/misc/hanukkah/***and this one has great festival stuff http://biblicalholidays.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=860
Biblical Holidays Message Board - Hanukkah Vs. Christmas the boys (and I!!) enjoyed watching it and learning about the background of hanukkah. Ialso teach Sunday School, and am going to have to make some decisions http://biblicalholidays.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=785
Hanukkah Books Sharing hanukkah, These beautifully illustrated, multicultural books teach childrenabout the friend David, Michael hears the story of hanukkah, tastes latkes http://hanukkahbooks.tripod.com/jewish-children-hanukkah16.htm
Extractions: A Hanukkah Story What a beautifully written story about the rekindling of light in the life of a Holocaust survivor! Morris Kaplan leads a quiet existence, surrounded by the beautiful blossoms in his shop and looking forward only to the frequent visits of Ilana and Jonathan, who buy flowers for Shabbat and special occasions. He shows his appreciation by loading them up with far more bouquets than their few dollars could actually purchase; they reciprocate by inviting him to celebrate Hanukkah with their family. The warmth and joy of their holiday observance melts the ice which has long encased his sad memories, and Morris himself blooms again, as did the flower of the title in the dark days of Auschwitz. The pictures are stunning, from deepest darks to glorious lights, and the tilted faces lend a legendary quality to this touching tale.
Hanukkah Books My hanukkah Alphabet, Traditional objects associated with the Festival of Lights andmoreare captured in fullcolor photographs that also teach young children http://hanukkahbooks.tripod.com/jewish-children-hanukkah18.htm
Will Your Hanukkah Survive The Christmas Frenzy? (Part 4) Will Your hanukkah Survive the Christmas Frenzy teach kids about differences Whetheror not you allow your children to participate in any part of the Christmas http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,3-10992-0-4,00.html
Extractions: Some Jewish families choose to ignore Christmas completely, while others decide to participate in the secular aspects of the holiday by exchanging presents Christmas morning, making gingerbread houses, or going out to look at Christmas lights. Some parents allow their children to hang stockings and believe in Santa Claus. Others designate another day during the season for family gift-giving. Teach kids about differences Whether or not you allow your children to participate in any part of the Christmas season, it's important to teach them about the holiday's religious meaning to Christians. Talking to children about the story of Christmas is a good way to help them think about the similarities and differences between the beliefs of Jews and Christians. These conversations can set the stage for learning about beliefs and holidays of other religions as well. Share your celebrations One appealing way to help children benefit from living in a multicultural society is to invite non-Jewish friends to join in your Jewish holiday celebrations and, in turn, celebrate Christmas (and/or other holidays) with your non-Jewish friends. Even at an early age, kids can understand that different people celebrate different holidays and that these celebrations are fun! If gift-giving is a part of the holiday party, it's fine to include your children in both the giving and the receiving.
Hanukkah, An Introduction - Mishpacha The bottom line. So what does hanukkah mean to us? Really, the question is, whatdoes hanukkah mean to you and what do you want to teach your children? http://www.mishpacha.com/hanukkah.shtml
Extractions: Those who think Hanukkah is the Jewish Christmas have it almost right: Hanukkah is the holiday of being Jewish amidst the Christmas tide. Consider Hanukkah's place in the Jewish year: a minor holiday not commanded by the Torah, barely mentioned by the Talmud. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are holidays for the soul. Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot recall the forging of the Jewish people through their journey from Egyptian slavery to Israel and freedom. Hanukkah, along with Purim, recalls the later story of being Jewish in a non-Jewish world, a world where Judea could not simply close its borders against an increasingly globalized civilization. Related: Hanukkah and your family A giving idea Hanukkah Mad Lib fun If the theme of Purim is physical survival despite outside threats, Hanukkah is about the survival of the Jewish spirit with a healthy dose of physical resistance thrown in for good measure. How does a community maintain its identity in relation to the broader culture? How much should outside influences be resisted, and how much embraced? How much do we depend upon God to save us and how much upon ourselves? These were the questions that burned in the Jews in the time of the Maccabbees more than 2100 years ago. It was the renewed relevance of these questions which propelled Hanukkah, for centuries a minor festivity, to a central place in the Jewish calendar of the 20th century.
