Welcome to your group Shabbat celebration! This experience is designed to guide you along in your own social group’s home celebration of Shabbat. It contains enhanced Shabbat features to make the Shabbat experience a meaningful one for everyone in every family in your group – no matter what their religious background, age (young children are included), history, or knowledge of Judaism. It can be used to enhance your own family’s Shabbat celebration, too.

We will begin with a little background information on Shabbat: where does the holiday come from? Why do Jews celebrate Shabbat on a weekly basis? What does it mean to celebrate Shabbat? Throughout this guide, you will be asked to interact with the material you are learning. Questions for thought/discussion are interspersed throughout. Everyone (not just the Jews in the room) will be encouraged to answer and participate. This celebration of rest and creation is for everyone.

Next, we have provided you four different Shabbat themes to choose from. Each theme will walk you through everything you need for a Shabbat celebration, but with a different focus.

Theme 1: Blessing over the Candles: Rest and Separation Theme 2: The Parents Blessing: Making Connections Theme 2: Blessing over the Wine: Sacredness and Holiness Theme 3: Blessing over the Challah: Community and Family

Choose the theme that speaks to you based on an experience that you had this past week. Are you in need of rest? Did you have a difficult week? Or did you find time to seek out something special, or did something unique seek you out this week? Or did you have a family encounter that made you think about life in a special way? Each one of these themes is designed to focus on one aspect of celebrating Shabbat. These are universal themes that each one of us experiences in our own right, on our own terms. Take a poll of your group, decide on a theme, and begin to explore.

You will need to choose a facilitator – someone who feels comfortable bringing a conversation to a close and moving on to the next question or to the next blessing.

Remember, everyone in your group will be encouraged to participate. The questions are interfaith couple and family friendly, specific, and universal in nature. As human beings we are each in need of a day of rest, no matter who we are and where we come from; whether you celebrate the Sabbath on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or another day during the week. Everyone needs a Sabbath – a Shabbat. So welcome to your Shabbat.

What Is Shabbat?

“The people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath in every generation as a covenant for all time. It is a sign forever between Me and the people of Israel, for in six days the Eternal God made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God rested from all God’s labors.” Exodus 31:16­17

Shabbat is the Jewish Sabbath‐‐though the English word actually came from Shabbat. It's a day ofrest and enjoyment at the end of every week that religious people undertake in imitation of God, whorested on the seventh day of creation. Traditional Jews refrain from all work on Shabbat, reserving itinstead for prayer, study, visiting friends and family, large meals, pleasant walks and naps. It'spronounced Shah‐baht, though some spell it Shabbos and pronounce it shah‐biss. Shabbat lasts from just before sundown on Friday until an hour after sundown on Saturday evening.The greetings for Shabbat are "Shabbat Shalom," or in Yiddish, "Gut Shabbos." (It sounds like "goodShabbos" and that's what it means.) From the InterfaithFamily.com Guide to Shabbat for Interfaith Families

Q&A

Please share the answers to these questions as a group. Take no more than five minutes on this piece:

• What do you already know about Shabbat? • Have you ever celebrated a Shabbat? What did you experience? • What questions do you have about celebrating Shabbat?

Did you know?

Shabbat is actually 25 hours long? Some celebrate for an extra hour (from sundown Friday till one hour after sundown Saturday) to show how precious Shabbat is!

Shabbat happens every week ‐ but WE are the ones who actually make it happen with our actions and ourcelebrations!

What’s It All About?

In Jewish culture, Shabbat is a day of peace, rest, reflection, hospitality and family. In NorthAmerican Jewish families, Shabbat dinner on Friday evening can be important family time. In Israel,secular Jewish families get together on Saturday to eat and just be together. The Jewish culturalvalues of hospitality and family find their expression in the customs of Shabbat.You can bring holiness and peace into your life in 20 minutes of blessings before Friday night dinner.Shabbat is for the entire Jewish community, and unlike many other Jewish observances, Shabbatexplicitlyincludes the non‐Jewish members of our families. Everyone can have Shabbat. From the InterfaithFamily.com Guide to Shabbat for Interfaith Families

http://www.interfaithfamily.com/files/pdf/shabbatexperience.pdf

A menorah is also called a “Hanukkiyah”

Each night of Chanukah, we light an additional candle to indicate the growing miracle of each successive night. On the first night, we light the shamash (helper) and use it to light one additional candle. On night two, we light the shamash, plus two candles, and so on until the final night when we have a hanukkiyah full of light. It is traditional to place the hanukkiyah on or near a window, so it can be seen from the street.

Candles are added to the  hanukkiyah  (menorah) from right to left but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first. (On the Shabbat of Hanukkah, light the Hanukkah lights first and then the Shabbat candles.) Light the  shamash  (the helper candle) first, using it to kindle the rest of the Hanukkah lights. As you do, say or sing:
 

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. 

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with  mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, she-asah nisim laavoteinu v’imoteinu bayamim hahaeim baz’man hazeh. 

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.

First Night Only

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

THE CLASSIC STORY...

Way back in 167 BCE, the Jews were living in the land of Israel, and were ruled by a Syrian Greek king named Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus wanted the Jews to assimilate into Hellenistic culture, so he outlawed three core Jewish commandments: circumcising male babies, observing the Sabbath, and studying Torah. He also desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. A Jewish priest named Mattathias and his five sons--collectively known as the Maccabees, which means “hammers” — led a revolt against Antiochus, and though they were heavily outnumbered, they ultimately succeeded in driving out the Syrian Greeks and rededicating the Temple to God.

When the Maccabees were cleaning the Temple for rededication, they discovered that the oil used to light the huge lamp had almost all been desecrated. There was only enough oil to light the lamp for one night, but when they lit the lamp, the oil miraculously burned for eight days and nights.

To commemorate this miracle we light a nine pronged candelabra, adding one candle each night. We also eat greasy foods, because oil was part of the Chanukah miracle.

AND THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY...

The real Chanukah story is a little more complicated. Some Jews were happy to assimilate into Hellenistic culture, and the Maccabees declared war on those Hellenized Jews as much as on the Syrian Greeks.The Maccabees used guerilla warfare tactics in a bloody war that went on for years, and only one Maccabee survived to see the end of the war in 164 BCE. That year the war prevented the Jews from being able to celebrate the autumn festival of Sukkot, so they decided that Sukkot should be celebrated once they rededicated the Temple, which they did on the 25th of the month of Kislev. Sukkot lasts seven days plus one extra day for the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, so the new holiday of rededication (Chanukah) became an eight day holiday.

So where did the oil story come from? About 600 years later, the Talmud tells the story of the oil miraculously lasting for eight days to explain why it’s forbidden to fast on Chanukah. Many scholars believe that the story of the miracle was a later addition.

One of my favorite Chanukah tradition and “rule” is that we aren’t supposed to use the Chanukah candles’ light for any purpose. You shouldn’t use the light from the menorah to read or do work or even light your way through the dark. Instead, we are supposed to simply gaze at the light and enjoy it. Have you ever lit a candle and just sat and watched it burn? I recommend it. When I lead Chanukah meditation workshops, that’s always a profound exercise. It’s incredibly lovely to watch the candles burn out, one by one, returning us to darkness. 

This time of year, I’m thinking a lot about bringing light to dark places. I’ve learned that we don’t just light candles to bring light to the darkest time of year during Chanukah. We are also reminding ourselves that we’re in constant motion. Things will change. Darkness lead to light and light to darkness, and somehow, there’s some comfort in that.

It’s been my experience that the scariest part of feeling lost or anxious, depressed or sad, is that we fear that we’ll feel that way forever. Of course, we know, intellectually, that everything changes and we won’t be stuck in any feeling forever, but in dark moments, it’s hard to see the light or sometimes even the possibility of light. So, we light candles and remember our ability to create light, joy, peace, love, and also that darkness precedes light and light goes to dark and back again.

We learn in the story of Chanukah that even the holiest place, the Temple, could be desecrated, that the eternal light can go out. How heartbreaking that must have been for the people of that time. And, if that’s possible, what are the chances that our fragile, human hearts could ever stay whole and holy for our whole lives? Just like the Maccabees rededicated the Temple and searched through all of the brokenness for light, I’m using the holiday of Chanukah (which means “dedication”) to excavate my own heart and life, and rededicating myself to creating a life that brings light into the world.

Each night, when you light the candles, adding more and more as the holiday continues, take at least a few moments to simply gaze at the candlelight. Enjoy the gift of light, look inside and see what needs your dedication, and notice the tiny and huge miracles that have brought you to this very moment.

Happy Chanukah.

Blessings are at the core of most Jewish holidays and rituals, and Chanukah is no different. Before lighting the candles we say two blessing, one for the commandment to light Chanukah candles, one for the miracle that was performed for our ancestors in the time of the Maccabees. On the first night we also say Shehechiyanu, a blessing of thanksgiving for bringing us to this day.

When you think of blessings, you may think of good wishes, of making something holy. But Hebrew blessings are different. Most Hebrew blessings begin Baruch Ata Adonai, which means, Blessed are you, God. We’re not blessing the candles, or the challah, or the ritual in front of us, we’re blessing God (or the Universe, or the Source of Creation, or the Great Magical Unifier) for giving us the opportunity to experience the special moment of the present.

Even if you don’t believe in God, Hebrew blessings can be a powerful way to express gratitude. It’s a moment to stop and reflect, to feel thanks for the experience.

If you’re not comfortable using the traditional blessings on Chanukah, try listing things you feel grateful for each night. Start with one thing on the first night, and build up to eight on the last night. 

1.  Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-Olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Chanukah.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the Chanukah lights.

2.  Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-Olam, she’asah nissim la’avoteinu ba’yamim ha-hem bazman ha’zeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old at this season.

* On the first night, we add:

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam shehehiyanu v’kiyemanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of all, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.

Just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple (the Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication”), looked through the rubble, and miraculously found the ingredients for light, we can use this holiday to look through our own rubble and find our own sources of light. Use this writing meditation to take time to pause and reflect on light, dedication, and miracles. Consider these eight questions and the time you’re taking to write your answers a gift to yourself. Happy Chanukah!

Instructions:

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Take a full breath. Check in with your body, and ask yourself, “What does it feel like to breathe?,” and return to the physicality of your breath. Become aware of how your breath comes and goes, how your lungs fill and empty, your belly rises and falls.

Use the following questions to guide your writing meditation practice. Take your time and give yourself the gift of presence. This is being present. This is your practice, your exploration of dedication, and your opportunity to find out what lights up your life. Who knows, you could discover some hidden miracles!

When your mind inevitably wanders, because that’s what minds do, gently bring yourself back to this moment on your next inhale. Practice returning to your self, and to this paper in your hands.

The Questions:

What brings light to my life?
How can I kindle that light?
How can I bring more light into the world?
What miracles have I experienced during difficult times?
What miracles am I trying to cultivate in my life?
How can I bring about miracles in the lives of others?
What will I (re)dedicate myself to this year?

May our practice light us from within and allow us to radiate outwards, during the darkest time of the year and always, bringing light and peace to ourselves and the world.

Dreidel (a Yiddush word, in Hebrew it’s sevivon, and in either language means “to turn around”) is a top with four sides. Each side of the dreidel has a different Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimmel, Hey, and Shin. Together the letters are an acronym for the phrase, “Nes gadol haya sham,” “A great miracle happened there.” The “there” signifies Israel, and in Israel, dreidels have a Pey instead of a Shin. The Pey stands for the word “Po,” which means “here.”

Dreidel is a game played all over the world during Chanukah, with any amount of players, and you can play with gelt (gold foil wrapped chocolate coins), or actual coins, nuts, candies, whatever you want. Here are the rules:

Each player has a bunch of pieces of gelt. Everyone puts one piece into the center. The center “pot” may need to be replenished after every round, so every time it’s empty, everyone again puts one piece of gelt in the pot to continue playing. 

Now, it’s time to spin. Each player spins the dreidel, and if the dreidel lands on

Nun: The player does nothing.

Gimmel: The player wins everything in the pot!

Hey: The player takes half of the pot.

Shin: The player puts a piece of gelt in the pot.

If you run out of gelt, you’re out. If you get all the gelt, you win!

Ran out of candles for your Chanukah Menorah? Try crayons! They'll burn for about 30 minutes. But, be prepared: your house may smell like a burning Crayola factory when it's all done.

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Created with the generous support of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles & NuRoots. 

By Annette Powers for Reform Judaism

They're everywhere these days: ads for toys show up on TV, in shop windows, and throughout your Facebook newsfeed. When you're a parent to kids who have been mentally compiling their Hanukkah wish lists since autumn began, it can be difficult not to get swept up in the consumerism that often accompanies the holiday season.

As a parent of a young child, I want to make sure my child understands that gift-giving is more about the giving than the gift, and that gifts need not be material items. I also want him to learn that Jewish tradition places great value on the family.

Whether we're making latkes together or playing a winner-take-all game of dreidel, Hanukkah offers wonderful opportunities to spend time with those we love. In that spirit, here are eight ideas for Hanukkah gifts that won't collect dust on the shelf and will provide meaningful family experiences and memories for years to come:

1. GO ON AN ADVENTURE.

When I was growing up, my parents took our family on a trip every year as a Hanukkah present. I remember these wonderful vacations with my siblings much better than I remember the Barbie dolls I received to add to my collection.

Travel doesn't have to be expensive; even a day trip to a local park or a museum can be memorable. If you live in an area with different communities, a trip to Chinatown or Little Italy, for example, can make a fun "travel" day. Hanukkah is a perfect time, too, for a trip to a local Jewish museum or cultural site.

2. PLAN AN EVENT.

Taking your kids to a movie, play, or sporting event of their choice can be a bonding experience and give kids something to look forward to and remember well beyond the holiday's end.

Round out the day by having your kids pick their favorite place for lunch or dinner, and end with some delicious  sufganiyot  and a game of dreidel at home.

3. BUY A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP.

Memberships to museums, zoos, JCCs, and other local attractions and organizations are a great way for families to learn and play together on a regular basis throughout the year.

4. TAKE A CLASS.

Education is the gift that keeps giving. Gifting a child a class in one of his or her favorite hobbies, such as dance, karate, art, or music, is an excellent way to encourage interests beyond school.

5. SUBSCRIBE TO A MAGAZINE.

Since the advent of email and text messaging, kids rarely get mail anymore. A gift subscription to a magazine that relates to one of their interests will give them something to look forward to in the mailbox every month. Don't forget, we are the People of the Book!

6. ENCOURAGE HOBBIES.

If your kid is the arts-and-crafts type, set aside time for a craft night. Try one of these Hanukkah craft ideas! If your child is a budding chef, make latkes together by choosing from one of our favorite latke recipes. If your kid is an aspiring actor, put together a skit about the Maccabees and perform it at a family Hanukkah party. Get other ideas from these Shalom Sesame videos.

7. ENGAGE IN  TIKKUN OLAM.

Spend an afternoon volunteering together at a local shelter, bringing cheer to home-bound seniors, or sorting through last year's toys to donate to those who are less fortunate. These activities not only will teach kids the importance of giving back and helping others, but also will help them learn by example.

8. GIVE  TZEDAKAH.

It's important — and Jewish! — to teach kids that the best gift is the one you give to others. Make sure to carve out time and money to show them how to give to charity. Decide upon a cause that's dear to your family using this Social Action Gift Guide for Hanukkah. Discuss with your kids what kinds of charities matter to them and how much to give so that they feel a sense of ownership and pride when giving  tzedakah.

Original article: reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah/8-experiential-hanukkah-gifts-teach-kids-about-jewish-values

Oh, Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah
Come light the menorah
Let's have a party
We'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we'll give you a treat
Sevivonim to play with and lakes to eat

And while we are playing
The candles are burning low
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago

Oh, Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah
Come light the menorah
Let's have a party
We'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we'll give you a treat
Sevivonim to play with and lakes to eat

And while we are playing
The candles are burning low
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago

Oh, Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah
Come light the menorah
Let's have a party
We'll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we'll give you a treat
Sevivonim to play with and lakes to eat

And while we are playing
The candles are burning low
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago

One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago