Vayeishev
New Chabad.org Publication Provides Inspiration and Fun for Chanukah at Home
Chanukah, the festival of lights, traditionally celebrated in the cozy company of dear family and close friends. Chanukah, when we gather ‘round the menorah and share stories of strength and survival. Chanukah, when we celebrate the miraculous victory of the few over the many, the G‑dly over the profane, and the weak over the mighty.
For many, this Chanukah will be like no other, celebrated in isolation, either alone or only with close family members. Yet Chanukah is a time of miracles, when we remind ourselves and the world that G‑d is present in our lives, that miracles happen, and that anything is possible.
To help Jews everywhere celebrate a most uplifting and joyous Chanukah, Chabad.org has prepared Eight Lights for Eight Nights, a night-by-night program to be printed and enjoyed. In addition to an overview of Chanukah and instructions for how to celebrate it (including how to light the menorah), each night readers get an uplifting teaching a heartwarming story and a fun craft or activity.
Written especially for this publication, the teachings cover a broad spectrum of Chanukah-related topics, citing from historical sources, Chassidic philosophy and Talmudic wisdom. Drawing from people’s personal experiences during the Holocaust and under the oppressive rule of Communism, the stories provide comfort, hope and inspiration. The activity section includes classic recipes for Chanukah favorites like latkes and doughnuts, as well as crafts that can be enjoyed by young and old.
Who hasn’t heard of Judah the Maccabee? But what do you know about his four brothers, or his brave and wise sister?
For many, this Hanukkah will be like no other, celebrated in isolation, either alone or only with close family members.
Who did the Maccabees fight? Did the Rabbis suppress Chanukah? Find out here!
What is the story behind this popular Jewish holiday? Watch this short 3-minute video to learn how good overcame evil, light won over darkness, and miracles triumphed over morass.
The Kabbalah of Divine energy to create everything conveyed in the letters and words of the Hebrew alphabet.
Why we give children money, known as Chanukah gelt, to spend as they wish.
An inspiring conversation with Mrs. Shternie Wolf, Chabad’s emissary in Hanover, Germany, who suddenly lost her husband, Rabbi Benny Wolf, yet she remains determined to stay and continue their life work there.
The miracle of Chanukah, is about shining light outward, and to the outside. The original requirements for the Chanukah menorah stipulate that it be lit only once it is dark. And where? “At the door of your house, on the outside.” Why? As the Talmud states, “to publicize the miracle.”
This is the light of G-d’s wisdom. It’s not there for our use that we can manipulate it and modify it to fit our needs and desires. If we’re able to figure a little bit of it out, well, that’s pretty amazing. But if we can’t, that doesn’t change its truth one iota.
The Jewish people—men and women—defied every Greek law with enormous self-sacrifice, yet it was largely by and for the sake of Jewish women that the Maccabees were led to declare war . . .
How can we be free from our deep enmeshment with physicality and its trappings, and the “highs” we experience from it?
It was the twenty-fifth of December. A Jewish girl from Queens had fulfilled her secret dreams, decorating that bright, forbidden tree…
A wooden clog became a hanukkiah; strings from a uniform, a wick; and shoe polish, pure oil.
Many of us will be particpating in Zoom Chanukah celebrations this year. Read here what works and what doesn't.
Joseph was in tune with another person’s pain, and was therefore capable of doing that one small act of goodness and kindness. Little did he know that it would change the world.
The Talmud states, “For the wicked, sleep is good for them and good for the world, but for the righteous, it is bad for them and bad for the world.” There is no rest for the righteous. When a tzaddik wants to rest, God does not let him, as if to say that the lack of tranquility is an essential part of being a tzaddik.
In a surprising twist, we are told that the world we live in comes from that circular, dreamy world. Of course, an average day sure looks ramrod straight, but the true source of energy from which we feed is that magical, circular swirl.
Latke is Yiddish for “pancake.” On Chanukah, it is traditional to serve potato latkes fried in oil to celebrate the Chanukah miracle
Envision a deluge over all the earth, hellish waves pounding back and forth, crushing every structure, carrying away every living being, until no dry land remains, no life endures.
This is the world into which you were thrown. The waves are the stress and anxiety of indecision, not knowing which way to turn, on what to...
