Chanukah, Hanukkah, or Chanuka?

Well, since the word is actually a Hebrew word, there doesn't seem to be much agreement about how to spell it in English. I'm going to choose Chanukah. The "ch" forces me to try to make that throaty "hawk a loogie" sound, which I stink at. :) Other names for the holiday are "Festival of Lights" or "Feast of Dedication".

Chanukah is the most recent addition to the Jewish holidays...it's only about 2200 years old, as opposed to the rest which are closer to 3500 years old. And, it's the only one that isn't mandated in the Bible. Basically, some Greek-Syrian jerks took over the temple, and some Jews (the Maccabees) fought real hard to get it back. Once they got it back, they started the process of cleaning it out and getting it ready for use again. They had enough pure oil to last just one day, but miraculously it lasted 8 whole days until more pure oil had been made.

So, in order to commemorate the victory and miracle, the Chanukah holiday was born! All this happened about 160 years before Jesus was born, and if you read John 10, you can see that He celebrated Chanukah too!

So, here's how the holiday works these days. The primary holiday activity (and my fav) is the "lighting of the Chanukah menorah". You light one candle the first night, two the next, and so on for 8 nights. But first you light the "servant" candle every night, and you use that to light all the other ones. This "servant" candle is a great symbol of Jesus. It's position is a little higher than the other candles, but it serves the other candles by sharing its light with them. Also interesting to note that Jesus called himself (and us) "the light of the world."

We have 3 menorahs, and like to light them all every night...the more the merrier! Troy and I like to turn off the lights and kick back and relax for the 45 minutes or so that it takes for the candles to burn out. It's a great excuse for time together! And we like to spend the time thinking about what a great and powerful God we serve.

Somehow, the tradition of Chanukah gift giving snuck its way in to the holiday. There are lots of explanations for this, but mostly Troy and I think it's the Jewish response to Christmas...we want gifts too! :) So, every night for 8 nights we give each other gifts...usually increasing in value. Troy usually has some sort of theme going on with the gifts he gives me - last year it was stuff for outdoor activities. I haven't figured out this year's theme yet!

Let's see....other fun facts. Jelly donuts and potato pancakes are big foods during Chanukah. (they require lots of oil, which connects back to the oil miracle). Kids (even big kids like me) like to play the Dreidel game...it's kinda like gambling for chocolate. Only kinda. There are a few special Chanukah songs, and plenty of Chanukah decorations if you know where to shop! I even saw a Chanukah apron at Ross the other day. :)

So, there you have it. Some fun Chanukah facts. We really love this time of year...we go to the Wallace house for some Christmas festivities as well. Such fun!

Hello Blogging World!

I NEVER expected to join the blogging world. Now that I have, who knows how long it will last? Maybe just this once, or maybe for years to come. :) What finally convinced me to do it is I was thinking of all of the fun, new, interesting, and different traditions that I'm learning about and incorporating into life. And I was also thinking about how many dear friends I have who I want to be a part of all the parts of my life. Here in Maryland and Messianic Jewish Land, I'm SO LOVING the re-connection to my family, to my "roots", to the Bible, and to the richness of tradition! I know some of the "jewish stuff" is pretty foreign and strange sounding. Some of you might even think I've officially lost my mind! :) Since I don't get to talk to everyone for hours like I wish I could, I'm going to post little "Jewish Traditions According to Jen." I'll keep 'em short(ish), and you should only read what interests you. This is a way for you to know a little more about my life, and also, a great chance for me to articulate all the stuff I'm learning. And, knowing me, I'll probably blog often about far less important things...random life happenings that amuse me, etc.


I was thinking the other day of all the cultural/traditional things that all Americans are really used to. Wearing green on St. Patrick's day (whether you're Irish or not), Turkey on Thanksgiving, fireworks on July 4, Christmas trees, hearts on Valentine's Day, birthday cake, April Fool's Day, etc. Those are all things that make life fun, and in some ways, we measure time and seasons with them. And if you took away all culture and tradition, there would be nothing to distinguish America from the rest of the world. America would be awfully boring without Labor Day, July 4, Turkey Day, Memorial Day, etc. When would we ever get a day off of work? :) And how would we honor or recognize special people or events? When would we slow down long enough to relax, be with family, or go on a vacation?


So, if you couldn't already tell where I was going, here it is. The Jews have their own traditions that distinguish them as a people/country too. A non-Jew doesn't have to do all the Jewish traditions, just like people in China don't celebrate Thanksgiving. But, lots of people seem to enjoy the Jewish holidays, just like the Chinese probably would enjoy eating a gigantic turkey feast in November every year. And one of my favorite parts of the Jewish traditions is they all (almost) come straight from the Bible! How cool to have God set up all your country's traditions and holidays?


Sure, I have A LOT of spiritual reasons for this transition in my life. But I think my point here is, there are some pretty basic practical reasons too. My family history, all the way up through my dad, is FULL of jewish cultural richness and tradition. Unless I learn this stuff, that's going to end with me. I'm Jewish, my family is Jewish, and there are Jewish things that families have done for 4,000 years. I'm SO EXCITED to learn about it all!


So, here goes....
Blogging, here I come!