How do you say Happy Hanukkah in Yiddish?
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday).
What is a Shamas in a synagogue?
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.
Why do menorahs have 9 candles?
The defining characteristic of a Hanukkah menorah is eight lights in a row, with a ninth lamp off to the side or above, separated from the other eight. The ninth lamp is called a shamash, a “servator,” and it symbolically differentiates the eight holy flames from other, mundane light sources.
Does Jerusalem celebrate Hanukkah?
The festival of Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. They are displayed traditionally in the homes of Jewish families and are lit every night of the festival, with an extra candle added each night.
What are Shamas?
A shamas is defined as an official in a synagogue who manages many of the day-to-day activities. An example of a shamas is the person who lights the candles in a Hanukkah menorah. noun. The definition of a shamas is a thin thrush bird with a long tail with black feathers, a white rear, tail sides and a chestnut belly.
What does a Gabbai do?
Gabbai, (Hebrew: “collector”, ) plural Gabbaim, or Gabbais, treasurer or honorary official of a Jewish Orthodox congregation, often placed in charge of funds used for charity.
What is Hanukkah in the Bible?
The Story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation via Wikimedia Commons. Based on the Greco-Roman model of celebrating a military triumph, Hanukkah was instituted in 164 B.C. to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees, a ragtag army of Jews, against the much more powerful army of King Antiochus IV of Syria.
What does the Star of David signify?
The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.
How do Jews in Israel celebrate Hanukkah?
There are a couple of consistent Hanukkah traditions in Israel that are widely practiced: lighting menorah candles and eating certain types of fried foods. The oil used in the ancient menorah is at the root of why modern Israelis use fried food to celebrate Hanukkah.
Is Hanukkah a national holiday in Israel?
It is a holiday period in Israel, with schools closing, though it is not a national holiday. Beginning on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (in November or December in the Western calendar), this holiday is observed for eight days in honour of the historic victory of the Maccabbees against religious oppression.
What are the blessings of Hanukkah?
Here are the prayers to say during Hanukkah: Blessing One: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah. Blessing Two: The second blessing asks Jews to remember the miracles performed by their ancestors.
What is the Hanukkah menorah used for?
A hanukkiyah is a Hanukkah menorah used specifically to light the candles (often used today instead of oil) on Hanukkah. With nine branches, it is lit each night to celebrate the miracle of oil lasting eight days. Despite these differences, today hanukkiyahs are commonly referred to as menorahs.
What is the Hanukkah menorah prayer?
Chanukah Menorah Prayers Hanukkah Candle Lighting Prayer The first two blessings below are recited on each of the eights nights of Hanukkah. The third one is a blessing of joy, which is traditionally recited on each Jewish festival, and is recited only the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit. Prayer 1 Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
What does Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorate?
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…