Hanukkah

Hanukkah begins Sunday, November 28th and commemorates the rededication of the Temple by lighting the Menorah. It is also a fun time to make Latkes and play Dreidel! What could be better than making five types of Latkes and homemade Dreidels and Menorahs with family and friends! We hope that these creative ideas for Food, Fun, and Philosophy will help make your Hanukkah Magical, Meaningful and Memorable.

What is the Story of Hanukkah?

Many of us are more familiar with the symbols of the Hanukkah holiday — the Menorah, the dreidel, the latkes — than the story behind the holiday itself. Here’s a little refresher course.

Recipes

Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Latkes

We were inspired to make this apple latke variation in the fall when apples are fresh and abundant in New England. It’s a delicious sweet latke option which pairs well with other Hanukkah desserts.
Chocolate Challah Bread Pudding
Bubbie’s Stuffed Cabbage
Grandma Boody’s Brisket

Fun Projects

Sweet Marshmallow Dreidels

Sweet Dreidels are fun to make and a playful addition to the Hanukkah dessert table. Kids really enjoy putting them together and they are a great treat in your child’s lunchbox during Hanukkah time.
Hanukkah Symbols
Party Project: Wish Stars!
Potato Stamping for Hanukkah Wrapping Paper, Gift Cards & More

Philosophy

Hanukkah in the Modern World

For much of Jewish history, Hanukkah was considered a minor holiday. Today, the holiday has become a major celebration on the Jewish calendar for both secular and religious Jews.
Lightning Fast Hanukkah for Young Kids
The Infinite Light of the Menorah Inspires Peace and Hope
Who Was Judah the Maccabee?

Videos

The scent of the potatoes frying in oil, the crackle as they brown AND the crispy texture and savory flavor. For us, latke making is the Hanukkah holiday wrapped up in one delectable sensory experience. View post »

Potato Latkes

The scent of the potatoes frying in oil, the crackle as they brown AND the crispy texture and savory flavor. For us, latke making is the Hanukkah holiday wrapped up in one delectable sensory experience. View post »
Homemade Beeswax Candles

It’s time to Light the Lights! Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights and what better way to light your Menorah for the eight nights of Hanukkah than with your own homemade Beeswax Candles. View post »
Potato Stamping for Hanukkah Wrapping Paper, Gift Cards & More

Potato printing is an old favorite. It’s a terrific craft project for the whole family. Together you can make some beautiful materials for your Hanukkah celebration. View post »
The Story of Judith: A Hanukkah Heroine

Judith was one of the great Jewish heroines. Judith single-handedly conceived of a daring and ingenious plan to save the Jews during an earlier time of Syrian Greek oppression. View post »
The Story of Hanukkah

Many of us are more familiar with the symbols of the Hanukkah holiday — the Menorah, the dreidel, the latkes — than the story behind the holiday itself. Here’s a little refresher course.
Hanukkah in the Modern World

For much of Jewish history, Hanukkah was considered a minor holiday. Today, the holiday has become a major celebration on the Jewish calendar for both secular and religious Jews.
Who Was Judah the Maccabee?

Judah the Maccabee is the central figure of the Hanukkah story. A rebel fighter who turned out to be a military genius, overthrowing the Syrian Greek army and restoring the Temple in Jerusalem. View post »
The Hanukkah Dance
How to Make Your Own Menorah

Creating a one of a kind Menorah for your family is a wonderful gift that your family can cherish for years to come. View post »
Why We Light the Menorah

The tradition of the Menorah dates back to the story of Exodus (Exodus: Chapter 25). God commanded the Israelites to light the Menorah in the portable Temple in the wilderness. View post »
The History & Meaning of the Menorah

On each night of Hanukkah, we light a new candle on the Menorah. Where did the tradition of the Menorah begin? View post »
What’s in a Name 5 Things to Know About Hanukkah

Five fun facts about Hanukkah and the meaning of its name.
Hanukkah Discussion Questions

Hanukkah is a time time for fun and family. These questions can help you start meaningful and fulfilling dialogues with your loved ones.
Lightning Fast Hanukkah for Kids

Hanukkah is a magical and meaningful holiday to celebrate with even the youngest members of your family. The basics still make it special — lighting the Menorah, saying the blessings, making latkes, playing the dreidel, and yes, the gifts! View post »
How to Play Dreidel?

The Dreidel (or spinning top) is one of the most joyous parts of Hanukkah celebrations. And the whole family can play together, no experience necessary! View post »
Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)

Who can resist these fluffy pillows of dough with your favorite jam filling inside? These always fly off the table. Make sure to get one before they’re gone. View post »
The Seder Plate

The Seder Plate is the story of Passover on one single plate. The Seder plate is a most efficient and symbolic way to make sure that the major themes of Passover are never forgotten. Each element in the plate has a specific role in the story of deliverance, and no Seder table is complete without a Seder Plate. View post »
Wrapping Ourselves in Holiness — Tallit & Tefillin
The Hub Cooking Club: Breaking Matzo for Passover
The Role of Women in the Exodus Story

In the Passover story, there are FIVE very important women who made incredible contributions to the journey of the Israelites, freeing the Israelites from Slavery.
The Passover Table

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Esther and Moses: Finding Your True Self in the Palace

What do Ester and Moses have in common and how can this wisdom apply to your life?
What is the Relationship Between Succot and Passover?

Despite being very different holidays Succot and Passover share an important link. Watch to learn more!
Curaçao Charoset

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What is the Connection Between Passover and Tu B’Shvat

Tu B'Shvat and Passover might be different holidays, but that doesn't mean they aren't connected.
Indian Charoset

You will love the combination of flavors of the mango, papaya, and cashews along with aromatic Indian Spices in this charoset recipe. View post »
Passover Hide-and-Seek for Kids

The night before Pesach, there is a fun “Hide and Seek” game you can play with your kids called the “Search for Chametz (leavened products).”
Fun Torah Test 2 – Kid Friendly

What is the shape of Moses’ Basket? What similarities does it have with Noah’s Ark?
Passover Gnome Garden

Your guests will be tickled pink seeing these adorable little terrarium gardens set on your seder table this Passover! View post »
Fun Torah Test 1 – Fast & Fun

Which character in the Bible does the Torah tell us MOST about his or her emotional state?
Rose Water Almond Cookies (Maronchinos)

Our almond cookies are delicious — crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and just a hint of rose water. They are fun and easy to make with the family. View post »
DIY Seder Plate

Six traditional items are arranged on the seder plate, which is the focal point of the Passover Table. View post »
Classic Ashkenazi Charoset

This is the most traditional charoset. Its signature ingredients are apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey and sweet Manischewitz wine. View post »
Chocolate Matzo Mousse Cake

My mom came up with this recipe for Kosher Passover (Pesadicka) Chocolate Matzo Mousse Cake. It was a winner, and is the star dessert of our Passover meal. View post »
Chinese Charoset

Common ingredients in Chinese cuisine are highlighted in this version of charoset: soy sauce, pine nuts and honey. In contrast with most charoset recipes, this one is slightly savory. View post »
Indian Jewish Sangria

This combination of Indian flavors and Jewish Tradition creates a delicious and unique sangria recipe. View post »
The Story of Charoset

Time and again, the Jewish people were forced to leave their homes, beginning with the expulsion from Jerusalem, and continuing through our history. Interestingly, there is no “Israeli” recipe for Charoset. Perhaps that is because Charoset is a food of slavery, and in returning to Israel Jews are free.
Sensational Succahs

Succot can be celebrated in many ways! Whether Ashkenazi, Sephardic, traditional, bohemian, or modern, styles from around the world can be incorporated to create your own Sensational Succah. View post »
The Succah Dance!
No-Sew Chair Cover

Easy-to-make, no-sew chair covers! Make one for the Hora chair(s) for the bar/bat mitzvah child or for a wedding! Also a great idea for your holiday tableset! View post »
How Nothing is What Matters the Most

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Passover Discussion Questions

A series of questions we hope will stimulate a meaningful discussion at your Passover Seder.
Classic Lasagna

Succot celebrates abundance and while not a traditional Succot food, what says abundance more than Lasagna! 3 kinds of meat, 3 kinds of cheese and lots of love. View post »
Our Children Will be Teachers of Torah

One of the most important aspects of the bar/bat mitzvah experience is providing a young person with the opportunity to study and teach Torah. How do you inspire your child to inspire us all?
What Does Bar/Bat Mitzvah Actually Mean?

Like other religions and cultures throughout the world, Judaism has developed a variety of rituals to mark important life cycle moments. One of the most well-known of these rites is the bar or bat mitzvah.
Candles, Kiddush, & Wine: Beginning & Ending Shabbat with Intention & Blessing
Braiding Challah

I first fell in love with the magic of challah when my uncle Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb made homemade Challah for my brother Laurence's Bar Mitzvah. My uncle flew from Israel for my Bat Mitzvah as well as for each of my brothers. He always baked the Challah for our Shabbat dinner. It really tasted so delicious and I fully appreciated the love with which he baked it. We're so happy to bring our Challah recipe to all of you. There's nothing like the smell of fresh Challah bread baking in your oven. While making bread can seem daunting, we have created a step-by-step recipe and video to make it easier for you to master making and braiding a 4-strand Challah. Take your time and you'll soon be an expert! View post »
10 Oldest Synagogues Still Active Today.

The ten oldest synagogues that are still functioning today.
10 Oldest Non Functioning Synagogues in the World

The ten oldest synagogues in the world that are no longer operational.
10 Christian Holy Sites in the Holy Land

A highlight of some incredible holy sites for Christians located in the Holy Land.
What is Succot?
Origami Apples

Decorating your succah will be a lot more fun if you add these colorful Origami Apples! They're easy to make and fun for the whole family. Watch our video and follow along. View post »
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fast Facts

Did you know that the term “bar mitzvah” first appears in the Talmud, the great collection of oral Jewish teaching more than 1,200 years ago?
Andy’s Succot Celebration
The Passover Table
A Conversation with Andy
Succot Discussion Questions

Succot is a time for family, friends, and neighbors to come together. Here are some questions to start deep and meaningful conversations around the holiday.
Shabbat Discussion Questions
Unicorn Hamantaschen

https://youtu.be/R7eIMSQ65ow View post »
Breaking Matzo on TV

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Homemade Pita Bread

Delicious Homemade Pita just takes time and patience while you wait for the rise. Here are some tips on how to shape and a fun look at how quickly they pop up when you bake them. We find pita to be the perfect companion for Kafta, Taboulleh and Tahini Sauce - perhaps for your next Shabbat meal or Succot celebration. View post »
Andy Speed Reads “Chad Gadya”
What is a Megillah?

Learn more about the Megillah and its place in Purim traditions.
Andy Speed Reads “Who Knows One”

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Apple Votives

Add some ambiance inside your succah or any room with these DIY Apple Votives. With hundreds of different heirloom apples ripe for the picking, you can create an array of colorful votives. View post »
Andy Dancing Hava Nagila
Apple Rose Pastries

In celebration of Rosh Hashanah as well as the abundance of Succot, we bring you these beautiful stuffed Apple Rose Pastries made extra magical with almond paste. Watch our video to learn how. View post »
Apple Stamping

Hand Stamping apple picking bags is a perfect way to celebrate the head of the New Year this Rosh Hashanah! View post »
Matzo Eating Contest
Speed Reading “Who Knows One”
The Passover Story, Told by a London Cab Driver

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The History of Gefilte Fish

If you’ve ever sat down for a Sabbath or Rosh Hashanah dinner with your family, you’ve probably seen it: a plate filled with gefilte fish.
Numbers in the Seder

Numbers have special significance in Judaism. Nowhere in our tradition is this clearer than in the Seder ritual. In the Seder we have one, two, three, four, and five. Why?
Passover: Spring Cleaning for the Soul
Passover vs. Pesach

Passover vs. Pesach. Many people wonder whether the “right” name of the holiday is Passover or Pesach. View post »
Julian Edelman

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Matzo Eating Contest

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Food of Jerusalem

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Afikoman: Ordinary to Extraordinary

The Afikoman is the Middle piece of matzo. At the Passover Seder, an ordinary piece of matzo is brokenit in half create the extraordinary Afikoman.
Ally Raisman

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Fun Torah Test 3 – Over the Top

What does the Torah say about Food during the Story of Exodus?
A Passover Glossary

Brush up on your Passover terms.
Monkey

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Monkey Dance

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Recipes

Fun Projects

Philosophy

Videos

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