The Meaning of Chanukah: It’s All About Saying ‘Thank You’
While each day we express our appreciation for life's blessings, Chanukah is the ideal time for the People of Israel to celebrate and say: THANK YOU!
While each day we express our appreciation for life's blessings, Chanukah is the ideal time for the People of Israel to celebrate and say: THANK YOU!
Was the Chanukah miracle a seven-day or an eight-day occurrence? Why is the holiday celebrated for eight days rather than seven? There's a wealth of discussion on this topic.
In this article we will explore some of the history and meaning of Maoz Tzur, the most famous Chanukah song.
The Y-Studs, a Jewish a capella group, celebrates the Festival of Lights with a music video based on the song “Rise Up," originally performed by Andra Day.
This is a funny video that shows Christians trying to explain what the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is all about. It is hilarious and very cute. Watch, enjoy and share!
The Six13 acapella group paid a tribute to the legendary entertainer, the great Sir Elton John, with this Chanukah parody.
Joseph and his dreams are discussed in the Torah portion Vayeishev, which always either precedes Chanukah or falls during the holiday.
Join a taste test of some of Israel's best sufganiyot and find out which holiday treat ranked the highest!
The Maccabeats tells the story of Chanukah in an unusual, creative way, appealing especially to theater lovers of all backgrounds.
The menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, is the oldest symbol of the Jewish religion and modern symbol of the State of Israel. A nine-branch variation is used for the observance of Chanukah - the Festival of Lights.
The heroes of the Chanukah story refused to submit to Greek tormentors, inspiring each generation to stand strong in the face of life's challenges.
We can affect change in this world and influence the order of events. Our good deeds affect change for the better, and our misdeeds can affect change for the worse.
This Israeli company manufactures its silver menorahs all year round just miles from where most of the action took place during the Chanukah epoch.
Ever wonder which miracles are from God and which miracles might be mere coincidences?
Step back in time with us as we experience the real Chanukah story here in the Holy Land where it all took place.
The name of the heroes of the Chanukah holiday - the Maccabim - has been adopted by a number of important institutions, products and places in the modern State of Israel.
On Chanukah there is a power in the air that we breathe, which has the ability to help us emerge victorious in the personal battles we face on a daily basis.
All year round, we must battle the forces of darkness by adding more and more light to the world. Chanukah reminds us that this is a battle we must face every day.
What justifies reciting the blessings on the menora at public lighting ceremonies?
Rapper Nissim Black's new Chanukah video, 'Eight Flames,' shows pride in Jewish history and the State of Israel.
Chanukah teaches us not to forget that God is responsible for everything that happens around us.
Popular Jewish musical group Six13 delivers a Chanukah classic in a set of melodies that will delight Star Wars fans in any galaxy!
Look what Israeli archeologists have dug up from the Hasmonean dynasty that ruled the land following the Maccabees’ Chanukah triumph.
Because Chanukah usually occurs in December, it is sometimes thought of as the "Jewish Christmas." It isn't, of course. But what's it's really all about?
Jeremy Gimpel sings the prayer of 'Al Hanissim', praising G-d for the miracles we received on Chanukah and throughout history!
Take a virtual tour of Jerusalem's Old City and learn more about the meaning of Chanukah!
There must be a reason why the story of Joseph and his brothers is in the weekly Torah portion read on Chanukah.
The true miracle of the war was simply the way it began. Good intelligence, foresight and planning allowed for the Israeli army to carry out a pre-emptive strike on the enormous enemy forces. The timing had to be right.
From the United States to Dubai, countries around the world sent warm Chanuka wishes to Jewish communities.
This year, when celebrating the joy of Chanukah, we must make it more than a superficial effort and remember those who fought and found the oil to light our way.
Many Jews today are assimilated, uneducated about their heritage, or otherwise distanced from their Jewish roots. Chanukah is the time to put an end to that!
Learn how the fun customs of Chanukah came about, their significance, the spirituality of the holiday, and much more!
Chanukah contains the secret of happiness in all areas of life, enthusiasm and excitement, and we have our children to thank for it.
Jews believe in 'live and let live.' Chanukah brings the message of religious freedom, a basic human right.
Jewish acapella group Six13 just gave the holiday a cool new edge with a song parodying one of the greatest musical masterpieces of all time.
Once again, the popular Jewish acapella band gets us all in the Chanukah spirit with another catchy tune.
May we merit, this Chanukah, to see how the hand of God is involved in every detail of our lives, whether we can see it or not.
Chanukah is the only Jewish holiday that commemorates an ancient national liberation struggle in the Land of Israel, particularly Judea and Samaria.
Former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman explains why Greek, the language of our enemies in the Chanukah story, could be used for the writing of a Torah scroll.
There are several rules to follow when lighting the Chanukah candles, which also teaches an important lesson in life.
Eight days – Eight Special Musical Arrangements for Chanukah!
Is Chanukah similar to its cousin, Purim, in which there is indeed a requirement to feast? Can it be that eating potato latkes is a Divine commandment?
Ecsatic about the Abraham Accords, an Israeli baker created special holiday donuts with a touch of Emirati flavor!
Chanukah is the only ancient Jewish holiday that commemorates a Land of Israel national liberation struggle.
You may be familiar with the classic show and film Rock of Ages, but how about the Chanukah Jewish Rock of Ages? You don't want to miss this one!
Chanukah challenges and empowers us to see what is real in this world. Life is so much about how you see things – how you see yourself and how you see others.
What’s the connection between lighting candles and having learned children?
A fascinating museum in the Holy City of Jerusalem is testament to thousands of years of Jewish continuity on this land.
In this Contemporary Jewish Issues webinar, Rabbi Ari Enkin discusses Chanukah laws and customs.
'We have not occupied a foreign land; we have not ruled a foreign land; we have liberated the land of our forefathers.' That statement is still relevant.
Join us in saying 'Thank You' to Israeli soldiers by sending Chanukah gifts and personal notes to the young men and women of the IDF who protect and defend the people of Israel.
Join us in saying 'Thank You' to the young heroes of the IDF who protect and defend the citizens of Israel. Send gift packages and personal notes to soldiers on the front lines against terror.
United with Israel is proud to sponsor a Chanukah party on a military base near Gaza to honor the brave young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives to protect the people of Israel. YOU are invited to join us!
The dreidel is made up of diamonds and 18k gold, with the same amount of white gold for the lettering of the Hebrew letters on four sides.
Driven by a mission to connect Jews around the world with their heritage, a cappella band Six13 infuses their songs with charm, meaning and talent.
Understanding the reasons behind several of the laws of Chanuka provides insight into true Jewish values.
During the "festival of lights" and beyond, Chanukah's messages provide insights into life that transcend this joyous holiday.
During the holiday of Chanukah, it is customary for people to indulge in a donut-like delicacy called sufganiyot, but nobody prepares it the way Israel prepares it!
Why do we light Chanukah candles for eight days when the actual miracle only lasted for seven?
The Maccabees could have lit the Menorah with regular oil, but wanting to repair their relationship with God, they insisted on a pure product.
'We appreciate that you came. Here, we don’t know what can happen in the next five minutes,' an IDF base commander told the United with Israel visitors.
Classic Chanukah song "I have a Little Dreidel" gets a makeover!
Chanukah is a time when we celebrate miracles and victory, but there's much more to the holiday than just lighting candles.
Chanukah is a time to celebrate miracles, chief among them the miracle that occurred after the Jews defeated the Greeks and returned to the Holy Temple.
Does the menorah depicted on the Arch of Titus resemble that which stood in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem?
United with Israel is proud to sponsor a Chanukah party on a Jerusalem area military base to honor the brave young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives to protect the people of Israel. YOU are invited to join us!
Hollywood star Mayim Bialik tells you everything you need to know about Chanuka and dispels widespread myths about the holiday.
In a nutshell, on Chanuka doing our best is what counts the most.
UWI's seventh annual Chanukah party with Israeli soldiers, located at an anti-terror training base between Ramallah and Jericho, was the best ever, leaving participants with an even greater appreciation for the heroic defenders of Israel.
Why is the eight-day holiday now being celebrated called “Chanukah?” What does “Chanukah” mean?
United with Israel's 2016 Chanukah Party with Israeli soldiers on the Har Gilo base in the Jerusalem area was a fabulous expression of support for the brave young soldiers of the IDF.
One should use a beautiful Chanukah menorah in order to show honor for the special holiday, commemorating a great miracle.
The Six13 a capella group tells a proud chapter in Jewish history to the tune of an American historical play.
Boys Town Jerusalem, a Jewish orphanage and respected educational institution, cares for approximately 800 students ranging in age from 12 to 20.
Popular singer Ari Goldwag brings Chanukah joy and inspiration to homes all over the world.
This is the story of one family's magnificent trip to Israel, which had great spiritual as well as historical and recreational significance.
United with Israel's 2015 Chanukah Party with Israeli soldiers was a particularly festive occasion. Female soldiers were the first to break out in dance, with the men following their lead. A great time was had by all!
An amazing Guinness World Record was set in Tel Aviv during Chanukah 2015 as over 1,000 people came together to spin the dreidel!
Filmed exclusively for United with Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Burg offers a beautiful, deep message about Chanukah, showing how it connects with the book of Genesis.
Here is a Chanukah music video that portrays the effects on a family when the father is called into service with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Here is a remarkable man who left a difficult life of tragedy and embraced a life of truth and transformation as told in this unique poetry-slam.
An Israeli artist discovered a way to fight against the darkness of terror and destruction: Turning the remains of Hamas missiles into Chanukah menorahs that sparkle with the enduring spirit of beauty and life!
On the second night of Chanukah, United with Israel's special "chanukiyah" made from Kassam rockets was used in 2015 at a lighting ceremony with soldiers of the IDF Duvdevan unit and attended by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu joined Israeli Border Policemen at the Western Wall (Kotel) where he took part in the candle lighting ceremony on the first night of Chanukah.
Judea-Samaria and IDF officials held a Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony at Joshua's Tomb in Samaria in honor of Israel's first military "chief of staff."
In anticipation of the great Chanukah party that is taking place on December 8, 2015, here is a video showcasing the highlights of the 2014 party that was enjoyed by many.
Popular Jewish all-male a cappella singing group The Maccabeats sing their smash hit "Latke Recipe" just for Chanukah.
The main miracle of Chanukah was the victory of the tiny Jewish nation against a much larger enemy. So, too, the 1967 Six Day War ended in victory for the State of Israel through Divine intervention.
One of many lessons that Chanukah teaches us is to be proud of our achievements, while always striving to accomplish more. Most important is not to be discouraged.
There has been so much terror and too much tragedy. How do people in Israel cope? How do they survive? In fact, they do much more than coping and surviving!
Popular Jewish singer Ari Goldwag, in his excellent 2015 album, features the smash hit song "Shir Ushvacha" - Song and Praise.
Actor Adam Sandler unveiled a new version of his famous “Chanukah Song,” adding a slew of Jewish celebrities to the ditty’s updated lyrics, including Hulk Hogan, David Beckham and Scarlett Johansson
For the first time in 2000 years, pure olive oil and the required vessels have been produced in full conformity with the laws of the Torah.
This is the extraordinary story of a man's journey from a Muslim family in Kuwait to a Jewish life in Jerusalem.
In this article, Rabbi Ari Enkin explains the history and purpose of the 'shamash' – the extra Chanukah candle that is lined up separately from the other eight.
“As much as we were in awe of the soldiers, they were amazed by our show of support and appreciation. They never realized how much love people have for them.”
More than 2,100 years ago Jews were accused of being occupiers when the Maccabees revolted against a true occupier of the land, namely, the Greek empire.
Is Chanukah unique because we eat potato pancakes and jelly donuts and play with dreidels (spinning tops)? You may be surprised to learn that this time our enemies didn't actually want to kill us...
United with Israel is proud to sponsor a Chanukah party on a Hebron military base to honor the brave young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives to protect the people of Israel. YOU are invited to join us!
In this tragic period of utter darkness, we welcome the approaching Festival of Lights and the timeless lessons of the Holy Menorah. Why has the Menorah endured as the timeless symbol of Jewish light?
Part one of our series on Chanukah, miracles, and Israel’s triumphs despite insurmountable militaristic odds.
United with Israel doesn't want to leave you without a Chanukah present, so here are eight videos hand-picked to light up your holiday!
In 2013, the Israel Antiquities Authority displayed a newly discovered building in Jerusalem dating back to the Hasmonean period just in time for Chanukah.
The miracle of the oil occurred precisely because the Jewish people were deserving of it. Rather than waiting for Divine intervention, they took action.
Modi’in, now a thriving city of 83,000 and fast-growing, is often referred to as the “Land of the Maccabees.”
During the Second Temple period, the Syrian Greeks infiltrated Israel and seized power. They tried to impose their cruel Hellenistic culture on the Jewish people, defiling every holy thing and forbidding Torah learning.
The solid gold Menorah was a very important part of the Jewish Temple. This article explores what the Menorah was, how it was used and what it represents.
United with Israel's Chanukah party at the Ugdat Aza Military base was a huge success! UWI and Thank Israeli Soldiers hosted a joint event to honor Israeli soldiers serving near the Gaza border.
As the Jewish people celebrate the Festival of Lights and remember the Chanukah heroine Judith, we should also remember modern-day heroine Judy Feld Carr.
Make no mistake, unlike Haman, Hitler, Torquemada, and Hamas, Antiochus had no specific interest in killing any Jews, he simply wanted the Jews to convert
Students at the Binghamton University's Chabad Student Center in upstate New York are planning to "spin their dreidels" into the Guinness World Record Book!
Just like the butler chose to allow the memory of Joseph to fade away, the Greeks were confident that they could cause the Torah, its commandments, and its lifestyle to fade away from among the Jews. They wanted the Jews and Greeks to merge into a single nation.
Watch this amazing video of an Israeli police officer lighting the Chanukah menorah in a holy place none other than the Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs in Hebron!
United with Israel held an IDF Chanukah Party to celebrate Chanukah and show appreciation to the IDF soldiers.
