Hanukkah’s Coming! Yay!

Hanukkah’s almost here!  Hooray!

Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem following its successful liberation from powerful Greek occupiers by a fearless Jewish underground militia led by the Maccabee clan. Miraculous events surrounding the emancipation of the Temple from the cruel and idolatrous Greek forces, including the eight-day endurance of a one-day crucible of oil used in lighting the Temple Menorah, and the staggering military victory of a small tribal army against the large, state-of-the-art Greek invaders, make the holiday religious, above its nationalistic significance.

It is a very meaningful, somber, poignant and holy holiday.  But it is also a source of great joy and celebration, and should be fun!  I, for one, think brightening up the year and bringing festivity to Jewish life is important, and I am in favor of getting into the spirit as much as possible!

And of course, Jewish merriness comes with food.  Hanukkah cheer brings the easy lightness of fun family times with the deep significance of miraculous oil.

So to kick off the season, check out this great link with Hanukkah recipes for you!