Which president was the first to celebrate Hanukkah at the White House?
George W. Bush
Who was the first president to honor the holiday at the White House?
Harry Truman
Who was the first president to light a menorah?
The National Menorah is a large Hanukkah menorah located in the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C. It was first lit in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, and has been erected and lit every year since.
When was the first time Hanukkah was celebrated?
Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power. In 168 BCE, the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and defiled the Jewish Temple in the city by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios and sacrificing pigs.
What do the 8 days of Hanukkah stand for?
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
What is the first night of Hanukkah called?
Chanukah
What are the 3 Hanukkah blessings?
The traditional Hanukkah candle lighting service consists of saying all three blessings on the first night, and only the first and second blessings for the seven nights to follow. Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Why are there 9 candles on the menorah?
Light the Menorah The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others.
What are 3 interesting facts about Hanukkah?
12 Fun Hanukkah Facts
- What is Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, to commemorate how long the holy light burned.
- A Menorah is lit each night of the holiday.
- Gifts were not always given for Hanukkah.
- Hanukkah dishes are fried for a reason.
- Grand Army Plaza in New York Reportedly Has the Largest Menorah in the World.
Where is the largest menorah in the world?
Grand Army Plaza
Is a Menorah a religious symbol?
The menorah was a symbol of both Judaism and Christianity since antiquity; in modern times it is considered solely a symbol of Judaism and is the emblem on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel.
What book of the Bible is Hanukkah in?
the First and Second Maccabees
What does the Menorah stand for?
Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. It first appears in Exodus, as a lighting fixture within the Tabernacle, a sort of portable temple used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The menorah is described in Exodus in minute detail, based on a heavenly prototype.
What does Hanukkah mean in Hebrew?
The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and this holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
What is the Hanukkah prayer?
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b-mitzvotav, v-tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who makes us holy through Your commandments, and commands us to light the Hanukkah lights.
Do you light Hanukkah candles left right?
A: The candles are lighted in the opposite direction from how they are placed in the chanukiah. They are lighted from left to right, so that the newest candle is always lighted first. The newest candle is lit first. (On the Shabbat of Hanukkah, kindle the Hanukkah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.)
What food is eaten during Hanukkah?
16 Classic Recipes You Can’t Celebrate Hanukkah Without
- of 16. Classic Latkes.
- of 16. Slow-Cooker Brisket.
- of 16. Sweet Noodle Kugel.
- of 16. Matzo Ball Soup.
- of 16. Best-Ever Beef Brisket.
- of 16. Instant Pot Applesauce.
- of 16. Cinnamon Apple Cake.
- of 16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
What chant is sung during the lighting of the menorah?
Maoz Tsur
What is a shamash?
Shammash, also spelled shamash or shammas (Hebrew: “servant”), plural shammashim, shamashim, or shammasim, salaried sexton in a Jewish synagogue whose duties now generally include secretarial work and assistance to the cantor, or hazan, who directs the public service.
What music is played during Hanukkah?
“Ma’oz Tzur” (Hebrew: מעוז צור), also a widely known English version as “Rock of Ages”, is a Jewish liturgical poem or piyyut. It is written in Hebrew, and is usually sung on the holiday of Hanukkah, after lighting the festival lights.
How do you wish Happy Hanukkah?
“Happy Hanukkah!” “Hanukkah Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Hanukkah!”) “Chag Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Holiday!”) “Chag Urim Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Festival of Lights!”)
How do you respond to Shalom?
The appropriate response is aleichem shalom (“unto you peace”) (Hebrew: עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם). The plural form “עֲלֵיכֶם” is used even when addressing one person. This form of greeting is traditional among Jews throughout the world. The greeting is more common among Ashkenazi Jews.
What do you write inside a Hanukkah card?
What to Write in A Hanukkah Card
- Warm wishes for a happy holiday season!
- Wishing you peace, joy and love during this holiday season and beyond.
- May the Festival of Lights bring you and your family much happiness and joy.
- During this time and always, wishing you joy, love and happiness!
- Sending peace and warmth during this holiday season.
What is the difference between Chanukah and Hanukkah?
The answer is that both are considered correct, though Hanukkah is the most widely used spelling, while Chanukah is more traditional. In addition, more than 20 other variations are recorded. So, when the Hebrew word was transliterated in the 17th century, the ḥet became ch (Chanukah).
What gifts do you give on Hanukkah?
Ideas include gold gelt coins (traditional chocolate coins in gold foil), a dreidel and handwritten blessings to say as the Hanukkah candles are lit. Top your gift jar with festive blue and silver ribbon.
Does Kwanzaa use a menorah?
Doesn’t Kwanzaa use a menorah or candelabrum? A kinara (seven-branched candleholder) is used in Kwanzaa celebrations. Some confuse it with a menorah, which is used in Hanukkah celebrations. “Candelabrum” is a generic name for a branched candlestick.
Why does Hanukkah start on a different day each year?
Normally it occurs between late November and December, although the exact dates change every year. This is because Hanukkah is always on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. This is a lunisolar calendar, which means that unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hebrew calendar is based on both the Sun and the Moon.
How long does Hanukkah last 2020?
eight days
What famous event takes place in Jerusalem?
Passover
How do you light the menorah in 2020?
On the first night of Hanukkah, place a candle in the holder on the far right, and light it with the shamash. Then put the shamash back in its spot (leaving it lit). On the second night, light the candle second from the right, then the candle on the far right, and replace the lit shamash.