All posts by dkatz

What is Hannukah Gelt?

What is Hannukah Gelt?

In this introductory article, Ariela Pelaia explains the origins of  the custom of giving “gelt” to children on Hannukah, including the

The Deeper Meaning of the Word ‘Hanukkah’

The Deeper Meaning of the Word ‘Hanukkah’

Written by Aviya Kushner, the language columnist at The Forward, this article explores the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word

What You Need to Know About the Hannukah Story

What You Need to Know About the Hannukah Story

Reprinted from Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook by Lesli Koppelman Ross, this article summarizes the story of Hannukah from the

Who Are the Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics?

Who Are the Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics?

Along with a minute long video introducing the Maccabees role in the Hanukkah story, this thought-provoking article by Michele Alperin

A Kabbalastic Infographic: 8 Hannukah Insights

A Kabbalastic Infographic: 8 Hannukah Insights

Created by the Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Education & Research Institute, this infographic presents Jewish mystical insights and symbolism behind eight Hannukah-related

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

8 Insights for 8 Nights of Hannukah

Created by NCSY, an Orthodox organization dedicated to inspiring Jewish youth to engage with Judaism, this one-page document presents one Hannukah-themed thought

Kabbalistic Numerology and the Miracle of Chanukah

Kabbalistic Numerology and the Miracle of Chanukah

Written by Orthodox psychotherapist, Karen Wolfers-Rapaport, this profound article from Chabad.org explores the connection between Hannukah – the eight day festival of

Humanistic Judaism’s Approach to Hannukah

Humanistic Judaism’s Approach to Hannukah

This introductory article from the Society for Humanistic Judaism explains the themes and customs of Hannukah according to the Humanistic community. The community focuses on

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Chag HaBanot: The Festival of the Daughters – Introduction & Rituals

Written by Rabbi Jill Hammer, this post presents an introduction to Chag HaBanot, a women’s festival traditionally celebrated during Hannukah by some Sephardic

Hannukah 101

Hannukah 101

This introductory article briefly explains the history, customs and significance of Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. A helpful resource for anyone interested