Let's Talk with Nancy J. Cohen
Happy Hanukkah
December 7, 2023
Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. It’s early compared to other years, and I’ve been scrambling to do gift shopping ever since Thanksgiving. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah began as a battle for freedom. In days of old, the Syrians-Greeks had taken over the holy temple of Jerusalem. Freedom fighters, led by Judah Maccabee, chased them out and rededicated the temple. They lit an oil lamp that held only enough oil for one night. Miraculously, the lamp burned for eight nights. Hence the Festival of Lights to commemorate this victory. The date is set by the Hebrew calendar and can occur at any time in December.
Each night, a new candle on the menorah—a nine-branched candelabrum—is lit and accompanied by a prayer. The center one is called the shammash candle and is used to light the others. Traditional foods are eaten that are fried in oil. These include potato pancakes or latkes and jelly donuts or sufganiyot. A game is played with a dreidel, songs are sung, and gifts are exchanged. “Happy Hanukkah” is the traditional greeting.
May your holidays be festive and bring you good cheer. What traditions are your favorites?
While you’re here, check out our December contest. It runs from Dec. 1-22 with two books from Booklover’s Bench authors going to one winner. There are multiple ways to enter! CLICK for CONTEST.
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Nancy J. Cohen • Tags: driedel, Happy Hanukkah, Let's Talk, Nancy J Cohen | 30 Comments
Happy Chanukah. Playing dreidel and going to look at Christmas lights is a family tradition.
Same to you! Happy Holidays for all that you celebrate.
Happy Hanukkah to you and yours!
Thank you, Cheryl. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Happy Hanukkah, Nancy!
Thank you. Wishing you lights and love this holiday season.
May your season be bright and full of love
Thanks so much and Happy Holidays to you!
Happy Hanukkah, Nancy!
Thank you, Terry. Wishing your family a happy and healthy holiday season!
May your holidays also be festive and full of cheer.
Same to you and good health in the New Year!
Wishing you and yours a Happy Hanukkah and a season of love and peace!
Have a safe and healthy holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
Same to you!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all.
Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday!
Happy Holidays to all. Have a wonderful month
‘Tis the season to celebrate and eat too much, which I’m already feeling. Have a wonderful holiday and New Year!
Happy Hanukkah And Merry Christmas to all. I love caroling and making special treats for the holidays.
Special treats are always welcome! Happy Holidays to you.
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Thank you, and same to you!
Happy holidays
Thanks so much. Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season!
Learned of a new author today Valona Jones. Books are now on my wish list.
Great! That’s what we like to hear! Happy holidays!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Happy holidays