Adonaic Holidays

Adonaic Holidays

Introduction

The Hebrew Calendar

Both Hebrew months and Gregorian months will be used so in order to facilitate understanding of the timing of our holidays, here is a wonderful chart taken from “Judaism 101” that illustrates the relation between the two systems.

Hebrew	English	Number	Length	Gregorian Equivalent
	Nissan	1	30 days	March-April
	Iyar	2	29 days	April-May
	Sivan	3	30 days	May-June
	Tammuz	4	29 days	June-July
	Av	5	30 days	July-August
	Elul	6	29 days	August-September
	Tishri	7	30 days	September-October
	Cheshvan	8	29 or 30 days	October-November
	Kislev	9	30 or 29 days	November-December
	Tevet	10	29 days	December-January
	Shevat	11	30 days	January-February
	Adar I (leap years only)	12	30 days	February-March
	Adar (called Adar II in leap years)	12 (13 in leap years)	29 days	February-March

Not working in a pagan society

Observance of some of the holidays will include not working. Obviously, the rest of the world does not necessarily share our beliefs and instead worships Mammon. Their beliefs push them to work seven days a week night and day. Exhausting! So some believers, due to their jobs, will not be able to follow the prohibition against work. Let me assure you. First,

1 Timothy 5:8 HCSB Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

El Shaddai understands your need to care for your family. Will He not judge justly? Second, Adonaic Christians follow the principle of dina d’malch’uta dina – (dee-NAH duh-mahl-koo-TAH dee-NAH) which literally means “the law of the land is law.” This phrase is a guide to elders as they try to apply Scripture to day to day ethical, spiritual and legal conundrums.

Authority in society is vested in civil governments. It’s their duty to provide for civil order (Romans 13:1-7). It’s their office, not their personal merit, or power to subject others, that is to be respected. God administers his kingship in human affairs by his appointed servants. Like our father Abraham we must keep faith with the country in which we are resident aliens (Genesis 21:23). We must give Caesar his due (Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25). Like the Apostle Paul we should be able to say that we have not sinned against Caesar’s law (Acts 25:8). Therefore, dina d’malch’uta dina applies. The law of the land in which we live rules us as long as it does not ask us to deny God.

Why these and not others?

No holiday that involves the Temple is binding – the Temple is not standing. No holiday that involves sacrifice for sins is binding – the Messiah took care of that once and for all. Actually, no Adonaic Christian should condemn anyone on issues of holidays for

Colossians 2:16-17 HCSB (16) Therefore don't let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. (17) These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is the Messiah.

However, many of us deliberately observe these holidays instead of all the pagan holidays the world thrusts upon us (Easter, Valentine’s Day, Father/Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s) as a moral choice. We also choose to observe them because we want to build in a constant sense of Hashem’s presence and an appreciation for His values and culture in our children, i.e.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 HCSB These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. (7) Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (8) Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. (9) Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Some will object that a few of the feasts are directed toward the “native born” of the land. However, Adonaists hold to a concept we call “ezrach’” which literally means citizenship but is used to indicate our status as God’s people. For a more complete discussion of this issue, you are invited to study the article titled “Ezrach – our new identity.” However, in brief, consider the following passages.

Exodus 12:48-49 HCSB If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover, every male in his household must be circumcised, and then he may participate; he will become like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat it. (49) The same law will apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you."
Leviticus 19:33-34 HCSB (33) "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, you must not oppress him. (34) You must regard the foreigner who lives with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.
Numbers 9:14 HCSB "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreign resident and the native of the land."
Numbers 15:13-16 HCSB "Every Israelite is to prepare these things in this way when he presents a fire offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. (14) When a foreigner resides with you or someone else is among you and wants to prepare a fire offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do throughout your generations. (15) The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the foreign resident as a permanent statute throughout your generations. You and the foreigner will be alike before the LORD. (16) The same law and the same ordinance will apply to both you and the foreigner who resides with you."

Most of the holidays we observe have direct Scriptural support. Others, like Yom ha Shoah, do not but their necessity will be explained.

The holidays

Purim - Sunset Saturday, February 27, 2010

Importance: High – It was commanded by Mordecai and the people of Israel bound themselves and “all those who joined them” to an oath to observe Purim perpetually.

Mood: Very festive, we’re talking serious partying here.

Background:Purim celebrates the deliverance of God’s people from Haman’s machinations as found in the book of Esther.

Practice: Purim’s four main mitzvot are:

1. public recitation of the Book of Esther (keriat ha-megilla),

2. giving mutual gifts of food and drink (9:22 misloach’ manot),

3. giving charity to the poor (9:22 mattanot la-evyonim),

4. and a celebratory meal (9:22 mishteh or se'udat Purim);

Other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration. While the Megilla (the book of Esther) is read, children (and the child-like) may hold Purim “graggers” (also referred to as ra’ashan or “noisemaker”) and make noise every time Haman’s name is mentioned (54 occurrences) in order to blot out the name of evil. During Purim it is traditional to serve triangular pastries, called Hamantashen ("Haman's pockets") in Yiddish and Oznei Haman ("Haman's ears") in modern Hebrew. A sweet cookie dough is rolled out, cut into circles, and traditionally filled with a sweet poppyseed filling, then wrapped up into a triangular shape with the filling either hidden or showing.

Date: It is celebrated on the 14 of Adar, beginning at sundown of the previous secular day so in 2009 it starts at sunset Monday March 9 continuing two days until sunset Wednesday March 11.

Biblical Support: Esther 9:17-27 especially v. 27 note “all who joined them”.

Pesach’ (Passover) Sunset Monday, March 29, 2010

Importance: Extremely High – it is commanded in both the Old and the New Covenants.

Mood: Celebratory

Background: Passover is the center of the Adonaic Christian’s calendar. It is a springtime festival of commemorating Yahweh delivering both our ancestors and ourselves from bondage. It provides the religious foundation for the entire year and it is Pesach’ upon which all the other holidays are built.

For instance it is related to Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks in that Shavuot celebrates Yahweh giving us the Torah at Mount Sinai. The connection Adonaists make is that we are not merely freed from but to something. Freedom for us does not imply anarchism. We are freed in order to be able to obey Yahweh’s instructions.

Practice: There is a Seder meal.

Date: Somewhere in March and/or April. In 2009 Pesach’ starts at sundown on April 08, and continues seven days until sunset Wednesday April 15.

Biblical Support: The support for this holiday is found in (Exodus 12:2-27; 13:6-10; 23:14-16; 34:18; Leviticus 23:4; Numbers 9:3, 5; 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1; Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-14; Luke 22:8-13; John 2:13, 23; 1 Corinthians 5:8; Hebrews 11:28).

Yom HaShoah Sunset Saturday, April 10, 2010

Importance: Medium to low

Mood: Solemn

Background: Yom HaShoah, a “minor” holiday, is a time of remembrance for the millions of Jews who died in Hitler’s camp. “Shoah” is what the Gentiles refer to as the “Holocaust”.

Though it is not a biblical requirement, our family will observe this memorial day to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Israel and to ensure that future generations will not forget this grave sin against humanity and repeat it.

Practice: We purposely stop our activities at some point during the day and silent confess this sin to Adonai. We do not pursue entertainment on that day. We talk about what happened or view educational videos on the Shoah. Any music is low-key. Flags are flown at half-mast. Some may choose to gather at the church for commemoration services, communal vigils or educational programs. We may choose to recite appropriate psalms, songs or readings or view a Holocaust-themed film.

Date: The original proposal was to hold Yom Hashoah on the 14th of Nisan, the anniversary of the Warsaw ghetto uprising in 1943. However, this was problematic because the 14th of Nisan is the day immediately before Pesach (Passover). The date was thus moved to the 27th of Nisan, which is eight days before Yom Ha’atzma’ut or Israeli Independence Day. So in 2009 it arrives at sunset Monday April 20 and continues until sunset of Tuesday April 21.

Biblical Support: It is not a biblical requirement. It was only inaugurated in 1959. However, it fits with Hashem’s command to not forget the terrible crimes against humanity that were committed by the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17 cp Psalm 74:18). Proverbs 24:11-12 seems to indicate a responsibility to speak on behalf of victims and to make sure that their plight is publicly known so that justice may prevail. Therefore we observe Yom ha Shoah in the hope that by doing so we are doing our part in ensuring such a crime never reoccurs.

Lag B’Omer Sunset Saturday, May 1, 2010

Importance: High – it is commanded

Mood: Festive

Background: The 49 days of the Omer correspond both to the time between physical emancipation from Egypt and the spiritual liberation of the giving of the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai on Shavuot, as well as the time between the barley harvest and the wheat harvest in ancient Israel.

Practice: It is a time of dancing and singing. Families go on picnics and outings. Children go out to the fields to play games with their bows and arrows, racquets and shuttlecocks, volleyballs, croquet mallets and bats and balls. The evening is spent with friends by the light of torches, feasting and singing.

Date: This is celebrated on the thirty-third day of the counting of the Omer which is on the 18th of Ziv (aka Iyyar or Lyar). In 2009 it falls on sunset of Monday May 11 and continues until sunset of Tuesday May 12.

Biblical Support: The origins of the Omer count are found in the Torah itself, in Leviticus 23:15-16, which states that it is a commandment to count seven complete weeks from the day after Passover night ending with the festival of Shavuot on the fiftieth day.

Contrary to Judaism, which primarily follows the Talmud, we believe the biblical teaching is that Shavuot thus falls on a Sunday.

Leviticus 23:16 HCSB You are to count 50 days until the day after the seventh Sabbath and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD.

Shavuot (Pentecost) Sunset, Tuesday, May 18

Importance: High – it is commanded

Mood: Celebratory

Background: Shavuot is an agricultural festival that has many names. You can find it in the Scriptures under the name Hag HaKatsir (feast of the harvest) or Yom HaBikurim (day of the first fruits). It is a festival of thanks for the harvest but it falls in late May or early June because that is the time of the wheat harvest in Israel.

We get the name Shavuot from another name the Bible has for this festival, Hag HaShavuot (the feast of weeks). It marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer. It is called Shavuot (weeks) because Adonai commanded us to count seven weeks (49 days) starting on the second day of Passover. On the fiftieth (thus the name “Pente-cost”, we celebrate Shavuot. Because it officially closes the Passover season some people refer to it as “Shavuot Atzeret” or “Closing Sabbath.”

The Bible tells us that our people were freed from their bondage on the night of Passover. Tradition says that through Moses we were given the Torah on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. That means that the first time Shavuot was ever celebrated, we received the Law. That is why Shavuot has yet another name Zman Matan Torataynu (the time of the giving of our Torah) and is closely associated with the Torah.

It is one of the shalosh regalim, the three Biblical pilgrimage festivals (Exodus 23:14-17).

Practice: On Shavuot, we light candles, decorate with greenery (symbolizing the life brought to us through Hashem’s Word), eat a special meal that includes dairy food (can you say “ice cream”?), study Scriptures (particularly as it relates to the inspiration, veracity or perspicacity of the Word), attend prayer services, and read the Book of Ruth.

Date: The date of Shavuot is directly linked to that of Passover. The Torah mandates the seven week Counting of the Omer, beginning on the second day of Passover and immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is understood to express anticipation and desire for the giving of the Word of God. Contrary to Judaism, which primarily follows the Talmud, we believe the biblical teaching is that this holiday always falls on a Sunday.

Leviticus 23:16 HCSB You are to count 50 days until the day after the seventh Sabbath and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD.

In 2009 it will begin on the sunset of Saturday May 23 and continue until sunset Sunday May 24.

Biblical Support:

Pentecost: Acts 2:1-4; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8

Festival of Harvest: Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leviticus 23:10

Firstfruits

The Name: Numbers 28:26

The Practice: Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Leviticus 2:11-16; 23:10-11, 14, 17, 20-21; Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 26:1-15; 2 Chronicles 31:4-7; Nehemiah 10:35-37; 12:44; 13:31; Proverbs 3:9-10; Ezekiel 20:40-43

Elisha used the firstfruits offering to perform a miracle and feed one hundred men. (2 Kings 4:42-44)

Rosh HaShanah Sunset Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Importance: High – it is commanded

Mood: Jubilant, celebratory

Background:

Practice: As commanded we rest on that day and remember Hashem’s many mercies. In the evening we party around a fire and some even blow a shofar in celebration! The blowing of the shofar comes from Numbers 29:1

Numbers 29:1 HCSB "You are to hold a sacred assembly in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, and you are not to do any daily work. This will be a day of jubilation for you.

The Holman translation renders it “a day of jubilation” but the Hebrew text literally reads “yom teruah” or “a day of blowing” (cp Strongs’ 3117 + 8643).

Date: This day falls on the first of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei. So in 2009 it begins at sunset Friday September 18 and continues for two days until sunset Sunday September 20^th.

Biblical Support: (Leviticus 23:24) Nowhere in the Torah is the holiday called Rosh Hashanah. In Leviticus 23:24 it is referred to as "a day of jubilation". In Ezekiel 40:1 the day is referred to as "the beginning of the year" and not the first day of the year. Discussion of this feast can also be found at: Leviticus 23:24-25; Numbers 29:1; Nehemiah 8:1-12; Ezekiel 40:1.

Yom Kippur Sunset Friday, September 17, 2010

Importance: High – it is commanded.

Leviticus 16:29-31 HCSB (29) "This is to be a permanent statute for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month you are to practice self-denial and do no work, both the native and the foreigner who resides among you. (30) Atonement will be made for you on this day to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. (31) It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must practice self-denial; it is a permanent statute.
Numbers 29:7 HCSB "You are to hold a sacred assembly on the tenth day of this seventh month and practice self-denial; you must not do any work.

In fact, the Lord God takes this particular day so seriously that He had this to say:

Leviticus 23:29-30 HCSB (29) If any person does not practice self-denial on this particular day, he must be cut off from his people. (30) I will destroy among his people anyone who does any work on this same day.

Mood: Somber and introspective

Background: It is referred to in the New Covenant as “the Fast”.

Acts 27:9 HCSB By now much time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous. Since the Fast was already over, Paul gave his advice

Practice: It is characterized by soul-searching and repentance. This day is so significant that it is described as “a Sabbath of rest”, literally in Hebrew “a Sabbath of Sabbaths”.

Leviticus 16:31 HCSB It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must practice self-denial; it is a permanent statute.
Leviticus 23:32 HCSB It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must practice self-denial. You are to observe your Sabbath from the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening."

The phrase “practice self-denial” is generally understood to mean fasting as in:

Ezra 8:21 HCSB I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions.
Psalms 35:13 HCSB Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine.
Psalms 69:10 HCSB I mourned and fasted, but it brought me insults.

And it has always been particularly associated with confession of sin as in:

Nehemiah 9:1-3 HCSB On the twenty-fourth day of this month the Israelites assembled; they were fasting, wearing sackcloth, and had put dust on their heads. (2) Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the guilt of their fathers. (3) While they stood in their places, they read from the book of the law of the LORD their God for a fourth of the day and spent another fourth of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.
Daniel 9:3-5 HCSB So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (4) I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: Ah, Lord--the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant with those who love Him and keep His commandments-- (5) we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.
Joel 2:12-13 HCSB Even now--this is the LORD's declaration--turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. (13) Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.

We also see fasting closely associated with seeking God’s face, his favor or protection.

2 Chronicles 20:3 HCSB Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the LORD. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah,
Esther 4:16 HCSB "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish."

Nehemiah 1:4 HCSB When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Since all three of these are major issues on Yom Kippur, Adonaic Christians consider Yom Kippur therefore to be a time of fasting, prayer, abstaining from physical pleasures and refraining from any work.

Only those who are physically able should consider fasting – nursing mothers, small children, pregnant women, and various afflicted others are not expected to fast.

Cut back on caffeine a few days before the fast to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and irritability. Any other substances to which you are still addicted (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, sugar etc) should be gradually reduced in the days prior to Yom Kippur so as to minimize the withdrawals.

Eat a solid meal before sunset on the day before Yom Kippur. This meal is referred to as the Yom Kippur Feast or Seudah Mafseket ("last meal") feast and the feast is just as important an element as the fast. The meal should be eaten slowly while developing a sense of joy over the anticipated opportunity to set things straight with the Lord. Plan on eating around 4:30 so that you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the meal, clean up and be ready for Yom Kippur to begin by around 6:00. Don’t use a lot of salt or spices on this meal. You don’t want to stimulate thirst. Eat easily digested food so stomach discomfort doesn't deter you from focusing on what's important. Prepare foods that are filling and high in carbohydrates, such as kreplach (dumplings), rice and bread.

These hours are also a good time to both forgive and receive forgiveness so that you don’t come to Yahweh Shaphat, asking for forgiveness when you have unforgiven issues left in your heart!

Abstain from any food or water until nightfall on Yom Kippur, if you are a healthy adult and are not pregnant or nursing. Some people modify the fast by abstaining from food but allowing water. Though you are not eating, still brush your teeth several times a day to avoid the bad breath that can come from fasting.

Avoid work and activity. Reduce your physical activity and don’t start talking about food which will only make your hunger worse!

Dress simply and comfortably, do not wear perfume, makeup or jewelry. Do not watch TV or movies. Do not listen to loud boisterous music.

Instead spend the day quietly reflecting on the sins of the past year. Read Scriptural passages that deal with repentance or perhaps passages where people are confessing their sins. Reflect on the mistakes you have made in the past year, and plan how to avoid them in the future. Make amends with anyone who has wronged you or whom you have offended. Ask forgiveness and let go of old grudges.

Quiet board or card games, walking the dog, slow easy bike rides, reading the Scriptures or good healthy books can help pass the time.

Gather with your friends and family after sundown to break the fast. Say a motzi (blessing) over the bread, and serve light foods that are easy to digest. Bagels and cream cheese are a common meal to break the fast, as well as tea and cake (which is popular in Israel). Bread and honey may also be used, which is symbolic for the sweetness of being forgiven for one's sins. Be careful to not overindulge. If a small, light meal doesn’t upset your stomach too much you should be fine to go back to your normal eating schedule.

Drink small sips at first but then drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water over the following twenty-four hour period so that you can rehydrate your system.

We invite other believers to join with us in a time of prayer and confession.

Date: It is to be held on the tenth day of the seventh month. In 2008 this is held from sundown October 8 to sundown October 9 or the 10^th day of Tishrei.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on:

· Sunday September 27 in 2009

· Friday September 17 in 2010

· Friday October 7 in 2011

· Tuesday September 25 in 2012

· Friday September 13 in 2013

· Friday October 3 in 2014

· Tuesday September 22 in 2015

Biblical Support: Its support can be found in Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:27-30; Numbers 29:7; Acts 27:9.

Sukkot Sunset Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Importance: High - it is commanded.

Mood: Festive

Background: Occurring just five days after Yom Kippur, this feast is commonly known as the Festival of Booths. This harvest festival is actually known by several names: the "Festival of Booths" (Khag ha-Sukkot); the "Festival of the Ingathering" (Khag ha-Asif), "The Festival" (Khag), and the "Season of Rejoicing" (Zeman Simkhateinu). Being a harvest festival it is reminiscent of the American concept of Thanksgiving.

Practice: The primary observance associated with Sukkot is the building and dwelling in a temporary shelter, or "booth" (Hebrew sukka). Another Sukkot observance is the collection of the four species (Hebrew arba minim), which is based on the command of Leviticus 23:40. We do not work on the first day of Sukkot (Leviticus 23:35), but the other days we simply party in the evening.

Date: It occurs in autumn on the 15th day of the month of Tishri (late September to late October) and lasts 7 days. In 2009 it arrives at sunset of Friday October 2 and continues seven days until the sunset of Friday October 9.

Biblical Support: Leviticus 23:34-44; Nehemiah 8:14

Simch’at Torah Sunset Thursday, September 30

Importance: High - it is commanded.

Mood:

Background: This holiday celebrates the Word of God.

Practice: On this day we hold a party celebrating the giving of the Scriptures. Everyone makes sure they bring their Bibles and discuss its importance in our lives. People (even children) are given a chance to publicly thank Adonai for the gift of His divinely inspired Word. We also encourage one another to discipline ourselves to reading it daily. After the time of prayer and discussion, there is joyful singing, dancing and feasting. Because of the association with fire (Leviticus 23:36) we can have huge bonfires. This can also be a great time to focus on Scriptural education, so we can make this time when we mark the end of Bible school sessions and the beginning of new sessions or graduations through levels of Bible education.

Date: The eighth day from the beginning of Sukkot. It’s as though Hashem is a good host. He has invited guests to his Feast for seven days (Sukkot) but when it’s time to finish, He’s enjoyed Himself so much He asks us to remain one more day! In 2009 it occurs on the sunset of Saturday October 10 and continues until sunset of Sunday October 11.

Biblical Support: Leviticus 23:36

Hanukkah Sunset Wednesday, December 1

Importance: Low

Mood: Celebratory

Background: This holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of oil that burned for 8 days. This event took place after the last Old Testament prophet had written the scriptures. The scriptures were closed before this event, and thus, this holiday is extra-biblical. However, as seen below, there is evidence that Jesus celebrated this holiday. After all, who wouldn’t celebrate the liberation of our people and the rededication of the Beit ha Mikdash? What’s not to like?

Practice: Tell stories: We tell our children the story of the Jewish warriors, the Maccabees, beating the Syrian king Antiochus and rededicating the Beit ha Mikdash (the Holy Temple in Jerusalem) focusing on life lessons of fighting for liberty and making God a priority in our lives even at the cost OF our lives.

We light a menorah which is a nine-branched candelabra. On Hanukkah eve we light a “shamash” (the extra candle in the middle of the menorah) and then use this lit candle to light the first candle on the left. Each evening we light another candle until all eight candles are lit.

We teach and sing Hanukkah songs or spiritual songs that portray God and His people as victorious over His enemies.

We play simple games of chance like the dreidel game in which the kids can win or lose candy by spinning the dreidel (an inscribed top).

We eat latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil). What would an Adonaic holiday be without food? We don’t eat a lot of them because they’re not very good for you (especially eight days straight!) so we also eat a lot of other special dinners. The dinners during Hanukkah tend to be a little more formal and special than ordinary fare. Nothing crazy but just special.

We give small gifts. Hanukkah is not like Christmas where you give one or two big, expensive presents. During the eight days of Hanukkah we give each person in the family one small gift each day. They should be small, inexpensive gifts like toy soldiers (we ARE celebrating the Maccabees after all!), marbles, slinkies etc.

Date: It begins at sunset on Friday December 11, 2009 and continues for eight days until sunset Saturday December 19.

Biblical Support: Hanukkah is mentioned in the Bible, but not in the Old Testament, since the Hebrew Scriptures were finished around 400 BC, and the story of Hanukkah occurred about 200 years later. Hanukkah is actually mentioned in the New Testament, although most readers do not realize where it is recorded. John 10:22-23, says this

John 10:22-23 HCSB Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem, and it was winter. (23) Jesus was walking in the temple complex in Solomon's Colonnade.

The Hebrew word for “Dedication” here is actually “Hanukkah.”