held in a Chanukkiah rather than a Menorah . A Menorah , which is the official emblem of the State of Israel , only holds seven candles . The Chanukkian has nine candles , four on each side of the elevated helper candle called the Shamash . The candles are added to the Chanukkiah from right to left , but are lit only from left to right . On each consecutive night , the number of candles lit increases by one , with the aid of the Shamash candle only . Prayers and
proximity to Christmas , children are often times given toys , such as dreidels each night of the celebration . All versions of spellings of the holiday , from Chanukkah to Hannukah or even Hanukkah , are deemed correct due to the guttural sound of the Hebrew letters that cannot be duplicated by the English alphabet . Despite the variations of spelling , one thing that is consistent is the moral of this great story . When you stand up for your beliefs , and what you believe
Hanukkah is the estivaJ 0; li & hts .
blessings accompany the lighting of the candles . On the first night of Hanukkah the following blessing is recited .
" Blessed are You , Eternal One our God , Universal Presence , Who keeps us in Life always , Who supports the unfolding of our uniqueness , and Who brings us to this very moment for blessing ."
Then each night after , the same two blessings are recited .
" Blessed are You , Eternal One our God , Universal Presence , Who sanctifies us with the mitzvoth and gives us this path of kindling the light of Hanukkah ."
Blessed are You , Eternal One our God , Universal Presence , Who worked miracles for our ancestors in ancient days at this time ."
Hanukkah is the festival of lights . Food , songs , and games accompany this event after the prayers and blessings are complete . Given its to be true , there will be signs to show you if you are on the right track . In this case , God was pleased with the Jews , and showed his gratitude , through the miracle of oil .
Hanukkah Dominique D . Barrs Daytona Beach , Florida December 2014
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