Hanukkah 2012: This Latke Recipe Will Make You Ferklempt

Make these brisket, latke, and sufganiyot recipes for Hanukkah.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8 and ends on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 16. Beth Jacob Congregation is planning a "gym jam," a dinner, and a three-rabbi textual exploration for the holiday. Observing the Festival of Lights goes hand-in-hand with making special Hanukkah foods. Before you light the menorah, make sure you have all the ingredients for some great brisket, latke, and sufganiyot. Although there are many recipes, below are a few to try during the eight nights. Potato Latkes Ingredients Instructions Once they are ready to eat, try them with some apple sauce mixed with sugar & cinnamon, sour cream or just a sprinkling of salt. Brisket Ingredients Instructions   Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) from chabad.…

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Oil Lamps and Latkes: Celebrating Hanukkah 2012 in Mendota Heights

Beth Jacob Congregation is planning a "gym jam," a dinner, and a three-rabbi textual exploration for the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah begins Saturday evening, marking eight nights of celebration for Jews. The holiday marks an improbable military victory over the Greeks and the reclamation of the holy temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. Adults and children from throughout the metro, including students at Talmud Torah in St. Paul and members of Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights, will be celebrating the holiday. Beth Jacob has several activities planned throughout the holiday: Monday, Dec. 10: 5:15 p.m. at Talmud Torah of St. Paul; 7:15 p.m. at Beth Jacob Congregation Join the three Rabbis of Beth Jacob Congregation for a practical & textual exploration of light and hope as we near the darkest time of year. Come make an oil lamp that you can …

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

Jewish Law

How significant is Hanukkah to Jewish religion?

According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays. True or false? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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Caitlin Burgess

5:01 pm on Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thanks for the background Earl. And the answer is: True.   more ›

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Colors of Kwanzaa

Do you know what the colors of the holiday represent?

The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the people, while red represents their struggle. What does the green stand for? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later in the day.

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Kwanzaa Tradition

How much do you know about one of the newest holiday celebrations?

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University-Long Beach. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in what language? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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Caitlin Burgess

12:27 pm on Sunday, December 25, 2011

The correct answer is Swahili.   more ›

Religious Persecution in Ancient Israel

Are you up on the origins of this holiday celebration?

The events that inspired Hanukkah happened during a particularily turbulent time of Jewish history. Judea, the land of Israel, was taken over by Antiochus III around 200 B.C. Antiochus III was tolerant and allowed Jews to continue practicing their faith. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent, outlawing Judaism and forcing Jews to worship what or who? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

A Festival of Lights

How well do you know your Menorah?

Hannukah is observed by the kindling of one light on the Menorah every night for eight nights. While there are eight days in the celebration, the Menorah features a ninth light—the shamash—raised in the center of the Menorah. Why does the Menorah hold a ninth light? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later Tuesday.

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Caitlin Burgess

12:44 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Will you be attending any Jewish services during the Hanukkah holiday? If so, any place in particular that people should check out if they are interested?   more ›

Youth of Mendota Heights Synagogue Prompt Fresh Look at an Old Hanukkah Tune

Winner of 'Dreidel Song' contest at Beth Jacob Congregation to be announced at Shabbat dinner

I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay; and when it's dried and ready, the dreidel I will play... Children and families learned a few new songs in preparation for Hanukkah during a special family service held recently at Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights. But as usual, participants concluded their session with the tried and true "I Have A Little Dreidel," also known as "The Dreidel Song." In a burst of spontaneity, two youngsters at the service told Rabbi Lynn Liberman, director of congregational learning at Beth Jacob, about ideas they had for a new dreidel song, pairing different lyrics with the original melody. "On Monday morning, we started talking in the office and decided it might be fun to run a little contest to …

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