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This Jewish holiday celebrates the victory of the Jews over the
Romans/Syrians who occupied the land of Israel in 165 BC. The
holiday is 8 days in length. This is because when the Jews wanted to
celebrate the victory at the holy temple, they needed to light the menorah
(a type of candelabra used for religious practices). However,
because the temple was ransacked during its occupation, there was only one
bottle of oil found. This oil that was supposed to last for only one
day, lasted for eight, hence the length of the holiday. One
candle is lit by observing Jews each night of Chanukah. Although
early traditions did not include gift giving, since it comes at the same
time of the year as Christmas, this tradition has been
"borrowed."
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Chanukah Facts and History
The
Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah (Hanukkah Traditions): Information
on the holiday and celebratory customs.
Judaism
101- Chanukkah (official): Information, history and other related
stories about Chanukah
History
of Hanukkah (HistoryChannel): Explains the history and traditions of
the holiday.
Chanukah
(Kids Domain): Fun information and activities about the holiday.
Hanukkah
(Midrash): Information and history of the holiday.
Hanukkah
- A Miracle of Light (Circle of Light): Information on the holiday,
its traditions and other related stuff.
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No, the gift giving tradition of
Chanukah does not include the giving of a gift for each of the eight
days. In fact, the modern concept of gift giving was not a part of
this holiday until more recent times. Traditional gifts were given
when visiting friends and family for the many festive meals that they
share. The modern custom is to give gifts, especially to children,
during this holiday to parallel the Christmas custom. Some families
have taken this a step further and give gifts during each of the eight
nights when they light the candles. In any case, it has been
customary to give a "holiday" gift to friends and family. Since
the holiday has become very commercialized, try to keep the religion in
your gift giving. We suggest the rule of three. Purchase
something practical (what they need), something impractical (so they can
have fun) and something religious (so they do not forget the reason for
the holiday). Get something religious for the first night, something
impractical for the second night and something practical for the third
night. Then give an inexpensive or not-too-expensive gift for the
remaining five nights. Chanukah/Hanukkah
Gift Ideas:
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Practical
Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Socks & Underwear; Scarf,
Gloves & Hat; School supplies; Books |
| Not Too Expensive
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Coat/Jacket; Clothing; Boots,
Shoes, Sneakers; Donation in a person's name |
| Expensive
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Computer; Furniture; Kitchen
Appliances |
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Impractical Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Comic books; Cheap Make-up Kit; Video Games;
Cheap toy/doll |
| Not Too Expensive
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Better Make-up Kit; Bicycle/Tricycle;
Fancy/Fashion
Clothing; Toys & Dolls |
| Expensive
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Video Game System; Leather/Mink Jacket;
Automobile |
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Religious
Gifts |
| Inexpensive
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Small charm; Religious token; Religious books |
| Not Too Expensive
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Religious charm; Set of Religious books;
Religious Articles |
| Expensive
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Airline tickets to Israel; Large solid
gold religious charms/jewelry |
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