Hanukkah History

Subject: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:45 pm

The Story of Hanukkah

Both Jewish and Non-Jewish families can commemorate this Holiday, which celebrates a miracle that took place in one of the darkest hours in Jewish History.

The word Hanukkah means "Dedication" in Hebrew, And the miracle it dedicates occurred in 168 B.C., when Syrian soldiers came to Jerusalem and desecrated theJewish temple. For three years, the Jews founght back
led by Judas Maccabaeus, one of the most famous heroes in Jewish History. Finally, the Jews emerged victorious, and drove the Syrians from Palestine

When they were ready to rededicate the temple, they discovered, to their horror, that the perpetual lamp used for the purification rite had only the tiniest bit of oil... Just enough to keep it burning for one day! Instead, the lamp burned for Eight Entire Days, enough time to prepare more oil.

Hanukkah lasts for Eight Nights to honor this miracle. Each night another candle is lit on the Menorah, a Candelabra holding eight candles and the "Shammash," the worker candle used to light all the others

On the Eighth night, a fully lighted Menorah shines in the window - a symbol of faith and hope for all to see.

Latkes
6 potatoes~1/4 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt~1 Onion
2 eggs, beaten~3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Oil
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peel and grate the potatoes and onion
Add the beaten eggs to the grated Vegetables
Add the rest of the ingredients except the Oil and mix well
Drop by tablespoon into hot oil.
Shape the potato mixture into round, flat Pancakes.
In hot Oil, Fry on both sides
A few at a time until they are crisp
Drain well on paper Towels
Makes about 12 Latkes

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:46 pm

A Few Decorating Ideas
Enhance the beauty of your windows and cupboard:
Decorate plain blue ball ornaments with silver and gold paint. Draw Hanukkah symbols such as a dreidel and a Star of David. Attach a piece of pretty ribbon to the ornaments and hang them in windows and on cupboard handles.

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:46 pm

Lighting the Menorah
To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It's usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a "Shamash" or service candle which then takes its own place at the center of the menorah. The menorah itself is placed in a window or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by.

Lighing the Menorah

On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle (or oil wick) is lit on the far right side of the menorah. A candle is added, from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars become visible in the night sky, but they can be lit late into the night. While the candles are being lit and the blessing given, the whole family and any guests gather to witness the ceremony; everyone is encouraged to participate. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight. And as they did the previous evenings, the candles will continue to shine until they burn themselves out

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:47 pm

To Make a Star of David
home decorations:
Form a triangle with 3 popsicle sticks and glue them together. Form another triangle the same way. Glue the two triangles together in the form of a Star of David. Draw squiggly lines on the star with glue, and sprinkle with blue glitter if you wish. Hang the stars around your home, with ribbon

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:48 pm

Traditional Foods
The traditional foods consumed during the Hanukkah holiday are symbolic of the events being celebrated. Most are fried in oil, symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days. Others contain cheese to celebrate Judith's victory. Loukoumades are deep-fried puffs dipped in honey or sugar to represent the cakes the Maccabees ate, along with Soofganiyot (also Sufganiyot) and zelebi. Pancakes are a traditional dish, serving as a reminder of the food hurriedly prepared for the Maccabees as they went into battle, along with the oil they are fried in as a reminder of the miraculous oil.

Latkes were originally symbolic of the cheesecakes served by the widow Judith, and later evolved to the potato/vegetable fried latkes most known today. Many cheese and dairy dishes are consumed in memory of brave Judith.

A newer tradition in the United States is the baking of butter cookies or pretzels in the shape of Hanukkah symbols while relating the stories. Children delight in helping and learn as they create, too.

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:49 pm

Making your own Gift Wrap Paper

Hanukkah Decorations

Hanukkah commemorates the physical and spiritual victory of the Jews against the Greeks many years ago. Latkes, Jelly Doughnuts , and Hanukah Cookies are yummy Hanukkah party treats. Dreidel game is a tradition at most Hanukkah parties.
Hanukkah is also a wonderful time to celebrate life and to make beautiful decorations to display and give. Here are some such ideas:

Make your own gift-wrapping paper:
Use craft paper or newsprint and stamp Hanukkah symbols (like a menorah or a dreidel) onto the paper. Or draw symbols with glue and sprinkle with blue and silver glitter.

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:50 pm

Candle making:
You can also make beeswax candles for the family menorah! Beeswax is sold in sheets in lots of different colors. Simply place a length of wick onto a sheet, then roll the sheet tightly around the wick. Press the edge of the wax sheet to the roll, and you've got beautiful homemade candles

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:50 pm

Why Coins?

In remembrance, a candle is lit each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Children receive gifts of gelt (in remembrance of the coins minted by the new independent Maccabee state) or money and play games of dreidel (a spinning four-sided top.) The tradition of receiving a gift on each of the eight days of Hanukkah is fairly recent. Since Christians exchange gifts at Christmas, Jews have come to exchange gifts other than coins at Hanukkah, which comes at the same time of the year

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:51 pm

I Have a Little Dreidel Song

I Have a Little Dreidel
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it's dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!

(Chorus)
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it's dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!
It has a lovely body
With legs so short and thin
And when my dreidel's tired
It drops and then I win!
(Chorus)
My dreidel's always playful
It loves to dance and spin
A happy game of dreidel
Come play now, let's begin!
(Chorus)
2. Sivivon, sov, sov, sov
Sivivon, sov, sov, sov
Chanuka, hu chag tov
Chanuka, hu chag tov
Sivivon, sov, sov, sov!
************
Chag simcha hu la-am
Nes gadol haya sham
Nes gadol haya sham
Chag simcha hu la-am.
(Translation)
Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.
Chanuka is a great holiday.
It is a celebration for our nation.
A great miracle happened there.
*******************
3. Chanuka, Chanuka
Chanuka, Chanuka
Chag yafeh kol kach
Ohr chaviv, mi-savis
Gil li-yeled rach.
Chanuka, Chanuka
Sivivon, sov, sov
Sov, sov, sov! Sov, sov, sov!
Ma nayim vi-tov.
(Translation)
Chanuka is a greay holiday.
Surrounded with lovely light.
Fun for little children.
Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.
How wonderful!
**********************
4. Chanuka, oh Chanuka
Chanuka, Oh Chanuka, come light the Menorah
Let's have a party, we'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we'll all have a treat
Sivivon to play with, and latkes to eat.
And while we are playing
The candles are burning bright
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.

Subject: Re: Hanukkah History Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:56 pm

Hanukkah Recipes

Chanukah Dreidel Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter or vegetable shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg1 tsp. grated orange peel
2 tbsp. orange juice
1 c. ground Brazil nuts
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

Instructions:
Cream together butter or shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in egg, orange peel, orange juice, and Brazil nuts.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture.
Mix well.
Stir in almond flavoring.
Chill several hours.
Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board.
Cut into "dreidel" shapes.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheets in a moderate oven, 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. If using 2 inch cookie cutters, makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Spoiler:

Chanukah Cookies

Ingredients:
1/4 lb. soft butter or margarine
1/2 c. sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. orange juice
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar.
Add egg yolks, mix again.
Add orange juice and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Add dry ingredients and mix.
Roll dough and cut into holiday shapes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until edges are brown.

Spoiler:

Sweet Kugel
Ingredients:
1/4 lb melted butter
1/2 lb fine noodles, cooked and drained
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c cottage cheese
2 c milk
1/2 c raisins
cinnamon and sugar for topping

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375
Melt butter in 9" x 11" pan
Put drained noodles in pan w/ melted butter. Stir until butter is
absorbed.
Blend milk, cheese, sugar & vanilla
Pour mixture over noodles
Add raisins
Sprinkle cinnamon & sugar over top
Bake at 375 for 45 min. Top should be golden

Spoiler:

Hanukkah Doughnuts
Ingredients:
1 2/3 cups flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup oil for frying
Directions:
In large bowl, combine all ingredients except powdered sugar and oil.
In frying pan, heat oil to medium heat.
Carefully place dough into oil, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
Fry 3-5 minutes or until golden brown all over.
Carefully remove doughnuts from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
Gently roll warm doughnuts in powdered sugar and set aside.
Serve warm.

Spoiler:

[size=25]Potato Latkes
Ingredients:
5-6 medium white potatoes, grated
1 medium yellow onion, grated
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbs breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
1/4 cup oil for frying
Directions:
Peel and grate potatoes. Put in strainer to drain away liquid. Peel onion. Grate into large bowl. Add beaten eggs, spices, and crumbs to onions. Beat well. Add grated and strained potatoes and mix. Set frying pan at medium heat. Add oil. When oil heats, add one large tablespoon of batter for each pancake. Cook 4-5 minutes on one side, flip, and cook another 4 minutes.
Serve hot with a dish of cold applesauce.

Spoiler:

Turnip Latkes

Turnips do indeed make good substitutes for potatoes. Unfortunately, it is the starch in the potatoes that gives food a certain texture. No lowcarb food is going to duplicate that. But some come close.
Fry your pancakes in plenty of olive oil. Do not skimp. Chanukah is a holiday of olive oil in particular, oil in general. Traditionally, potato pancakes (made in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe) were fried in goose fat (or, presumably, chicken fat). They couldn't get olive oil and of course didn't use lard like their non-Jewish neighbors. Substitute other vegetable oils at your own risk. Very few hold up to the high heat of frying. If you use bacon grease or pork fat, I do not want to hear about it.
The traditional way to serve Chanukah latkes is with sour cream and/or applesauce. Sour cream (and other dairy) would only be used if the latkes were made without animal fat and were not eaten in the same meal with any meat or meat products (eggs and fish don't count as meat). You can use any topping of your choice, or eat them plain.

Ingredients:

8 cups coarsely grated raw turnips
About 10 good-sized radishes, coarsely grated
10 eggs [this was too much for the sliced turnips but would be about right for grated ones]
6 Tablespoons wheat bran (only 4.5-3 =1.5g per TB!)
1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1-2 tsp salt (or to taste)
[Note: exact proportion of ingredients will vary depending on your preferences and differences in the
ingredients. Adjust as needed.]
Olive oil (I used about .5 liters...I think)

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Heat oil in a large flat-bottomed pan or griddle.
Spoon the raw latkes on to the hot oil (one pancake = about one scoop from a spoon-shaped spatula). Don't
overcrowd.
Shape the pancakes to be even and round.
Cook on medium or medium-high heat until dark golden brown on one side.
Flip and repeat on the other side. If they aren't golden brown, you need more oil.
Use a flat slotted spatula to remove finished latkes on to a plate with a paper towel on it.
Add more oil in-between each batch.
Makes around 20 3-4" pancakes.

Spoiler:

Zucchini Latkes Recipe

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini (washed and unpeeled)
1 large potato (washed and unpeeled)
1 medium onion (peeled)
1 cup whole wheat flour (more, if needed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup egg beaters
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
2 egg whites (beaten until stiff)
Canola oil for frying

Instructions:

Julienne potato and zucchini in food processor. Pour processed vegetables into large mixing bowl. Grate onions in processor and add to potato/zucchini mixture. Drain off excess liquid.
Add flour, baking powder, egg beaters, garlic, scallions, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well. Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. If mixture doesn't have enough body for frying, gently fold in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of additional flour.
To fry, heat 1/2 inch of oil in pan and drop latkes by spoonfuls. For flat latkes, gently press down with spatula. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Turn only once. Drain will on paper towels. Serve immediately.
Note: Zucchini latkes can be reheated, but they are best eaten, like potato latkes, fresh from the frying pan.

[/size]