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, Pharaoh has two troubling dreams, and at the suggestion of his cupbearer, who remembers Joseph from prison, Pharaoh brings Joseph to interpret them. Pharaoh is so impressed by Joseph that he makes him his adviser. There is a famine, and Jacob sends his sons, minus Benjamin, to Egypt to buy food. The brothers do not recognize Joseph when they meet him, and Joseph tests them by accusing them of being spies. Joseph arrests Simeon and demands the brothers bring Benjamin to Egypt to prove they are not spies. When Benjamin arrives, Joseph puts a goblet in Benjamin’s bag and accuses him of stealing it.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Miketz

Genesis 41:1 – 44:17

I Kings 3:15-4:1

Parashat Miketz: Coercion vs. Love

This Torah portion begs the question of whether it’s acceptable to use coercive power to have people to do something that’s good for them.



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?