Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice
There are disagreements as to why the holiday of lights is celebrated when the days are short.
Why Do We Eat Latkes on Hanukkah?
These delicious pancakes celebrate the miracle of the oil — but potatoes are a relatively newfangled tradition.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, Jacob has a dream in which angels go up and down a ladder connecting earth to heaven. God appears before Jacob and renews the covenant that God had made with Abraham. Jacob sees Rachel, Laban’s daughter, tending sheep and wishes to marry her. Laban tricks Jacob into marrying his eldest daughter, Leah, after seven years of labor. In exchange for another seven years of work, Jacob is allowed to marry Rachel. Jacob has many sons with Leah, but Rachel is unable to conceive. Finally, God blesses Rachel, and she has a son, whom she names Joseph.
Featured Commentary
The Place With No Name
Why is the Torah so mysterious about the locale where Jacob continues the covenant with God?
Videos @ MJL
Heaven and Hell in Jewish Tradition
Jewish sources are conflicted about what happens after we die.
How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah
The traditional blessings and procedures for lighting the Hanukkah candles.
Recipes
8 Jewish Fried Foods from Around the World
Try one of these mouth-watering Hanukkah recipes from India, Yemen, Italy or Mexico.
How to Make Perfect Sufganiyot
Our simple how-to video will have you frying and filling in no time.
Roasted Goose Recipe: A Hanukkah Tradition From the Middle Ages
I realize that latkes and donuts are iconic foods for Hanukkah, but in my family the holiday wouldn’t be right ...
Quizzes
Caring For Others Quiz
How much do you know about Jewish views on how to care for those in need?
Tzedakah Quiz
Tzedakah, or righteousness, is often interpreted as charity, because Judaism views giving as the ultimate act of righteousness.
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