Hanukkah

How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah

The traditional blessings and procedures for lighting the Hanukkah candles.

How to Greet Someone on Hanukkah

There are phrases you can use to wish someone a Happy Hanukkah.

Hanukkah 101

From candle-lighting to Maccabees and latkes to dreidels.

Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, Jacob favors Joseph, and this angers Joseph’s brothers. Joseph has dreams in which he predicts reigning over his brothers, provoking them further. They decide to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and sleeps with her father-in-law, Judah. In Egypt, the wife of Joseph’s owner tries to seduce Joseph, and when he rejects her, she accuses him of trying to rape her and has him sent to prison. In prison, Pharaoh’s baker and butler have dreams, and Joseph interprets them correctly.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Vayeshev

Genesis 37:1 – 40:23

Amos 2:6 – 3:8

Parashat Vayeshev: Finding Light, Making Change

This Torah portion tells the story of Tamar, a woman who saw the possibility of new life where others saw only death.



More from MJL

Must-Know Hanukkah Words and Phrases

Key vocabulary for the Jewish Festival of Lights.

How to Celebrate Hanukkah on a Budget

Enjoy the Festival of Lights without breaking the bank.

How Many Candles Are Needed for Hanukkah?

Keeping your menorah lit all eight days.

Is it OK to Blow Out Hanukkah Candles?

What do you do if you need to leave home after lighting your menorah.

Is it Permissible to Work on Hanukkah?

Jews rest on Shabbat and other holidays. Does that include Hanukkah?

Is Hanukkah Always in December?

The Jewish Festival of Lights falls in winter near Christmas, but is it always the same month?