From all of us at The Jewish Theological Seminary, best wishes for a happy Hanukkah that's filled with the warmth of candles, the joy of family and friends, and the stories of our tradition.
Please explore the Hanukkah resources listed below to help you celebrate the holiday:
Why is Hanukkah so connected with latkes? Dr. David Kraemer explores some of the reasons in his essay "Religion in the Kitchen," which also includes a great potato pancake recipe.
JTS Hanukkah Party Video
Each year, JTS faculty and staff gather together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Last year, the Columbia University Klezmer Band performed a variety of holiday music, and we have included one of their performances below. If you think last year was fun, just wait until this year.
We present selected Hanukkah related resources from esteemed JTS alumni to help you celebrate the holiday.
Alicia Jo Rabins (GS '07) presents an original, haunting version of the traditional Hanukkah song "Sevivon Sov Sov Sov." Originally recorded for MyJewishLearning.com.
Click to play
Yael Krieger (LC '04) provides a lesson plan based on using the Bible Rap as a motivational hook into learning about the function of fire/flame in Torah and Judaism. This lesson is not directed to a specific age range and suggests differentiated activities for a variety of settings. Along with the lesson, we provide the sources so that educators can cut and paste according to their individual needs.
Menorah Lebowitz Rotenberg (SC '59) has submitted two pieces of original Hanukkah artwork.
Rya Rug: Blue Menorah on Background of Mostly Red
In 1968 I took a class in Rya rug making. Rya rugs are made by hand knotting a two inch piece of wool. Each piece of wool is pushed through a canvas with holes and then knotted. This piece was finally completed in 1979.
You are the source of blessing, Adonai our God, ruler of time and space, who has sanctified us with mitzvot, commanding us us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Second blessing to recite
You are the source of blessing, Adonai our God, ruler of time and space, who made miracles for our ancestors in those days and in the present.
Third blessing to recite (only on the first night of Hanukkah)
You are the source of blessing, Adonai our God, ruler of time and space, who has given us life and existence, thereby guiding us to this season.
Hanukkah Resources From The Library
With the largest collection of hebraica and Judaica in the Western hemisphere, The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary has a wealth of resources to help celebrate Hanukkah.
As part of a video podcast seminar for rabbis, covering a variety of Jewish topics and issues, we offer the session on Hanukkah for your educational and viewing pleasure.
The podcast series is hosted by Dr. David Kraemer, the Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at JTS.
Rya Rug: Blue Menorah on Background of Mostly Red
As part of a video podcast seminar for rabbis, covering a variety of Jewish topics and issues, we offer the session on Hanukkah for your educational and viewing pleasure.