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- Written by Axel Angeles
Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish festival celebrated to remember the "miracle of light" and the triumph of the Maccabees in reclaiming the Second Temple.
The story begins in 175 B.C.E when the Jewish people lived in Israel and the Second Temple was standing in Jerusalem. At the time, Syrian Greeks ruled under King Antiochus IV.
Antiochus IV wanted to reign over the Jewish people; therefore, he forbade the practice of Judaism and forced the Jewish people to believe in the pagan Greek gods. Many Jews resisted while other Jews accepted the beliefs and were known as Hellenists.
Amongst the resistance, one Jewish priest, known as Mattityahu motivated the Jews to challenge and revolt against the injustice set forth by the king. Led by the youngest of his 5 sons, Judah Maccabee lead all of those who had not become Hellenists in revolting against the Syrian king. They fought against the Syrian Greeks and forced them out of Jerusalem, and thus, the Maccabees regained control of the Second Temple despite finding the holy altar dedicated to the Greek gods. The Maccabees had the Temple restored and purified, then dedicated a new altar to the service of G-d.
An important component of the holy Temple required the daily lighting of a seven- candelabra Menorah. However, the Maccabees were faced with a huge dilemma as they only had enough oil to last for one day. The oil ended up lasting for eight days, and because of this, was seen as a miracle of G-d. In reference to Hanukkah, people always refer to the 'miracle of lights'
How to celebrate Hanukkah?
Over centuries, the Jewish people have commemorated this event by lighting a Hanukia, also referred to as a Menorah. The Hanukia has nine candleholders; of which the first eight are in remembrance of the days the oil lasted, as where the ninth candle is used to light the rest. At sundown, the family gathers and says a prayer to light the menorah. Every night one candle is lit.
What to eat on this holiday?
Sufganiot, also known as a Jelly Donuts are very popular during the holiday as well as Latkes, also known as Fried Potato Pancakes. The foods during this holiday contain a lot of oil in remembrance to the miracle.
Events in Tel Aviv?
Tel Aviv:
Bialik House: Hanukkah activities for children December 3 - 9, 10:00 - 14:00
http://telavivcity.com/eng/article.asp?articlecode=3837
Tours in Jaffa "The Three Monotheistic Religions"
http://telavivcity.com/eng/article.asp?articlecode=3843
More Events at:
http://telavivcity.com/eng/hanuka.asp
by Axel Angeles
diplomacy.co.il
- Details
- Written by Diplomacy
In the middle of the hot Israeli summer the telephone rings at Silvia Golan's Office. She has been requested to produce the cultural segment of the annual event of president's house Shimon Peres.
Without second thought she agreed and started to prepare the South American style event.
The idea was to include Latin music and dancing. Silvia Golan loves president Peres and she assumed, based on knowing president Peres fond of Argentinean dancing and music, that this kind of show will entertain him.
Organizing the event had to be in complete secrecy and besides the participants nobody had to know about the event.
The event took place at August 4th 2010 at Har-Zion hotel's pool in the beautiful hills of Jerusalem. The place was decorated tastefully and the catering was Latin style include the traditional South American chorizos.
The schedule contained speeches and honor decorations, and after the formal part of the evening was finished, the show began.
The first segment was Tango dancing participating 4 top dancers (Dvora Gutman- Tango instructor from Germany, Luis Canaan- Tango instructor from Argentina, Danny Greenberg- Tango instructor from Israel and Silvia Golan).
The continued with Latin rhythm as Dori Skalt and Dvir Ohana conducted a magnificent Salsa dance. Afterwards the guests enjoyed Waltz dancing by Benny Sharvit and Danielle Kovrigaro.
The rhythm kept going up with Brazilian Dance by Ana Celia Da Silva and Moran Mai -Golder which concluded the show.
After the show president Shimon Peres asked Silvia Golan to introduce to him all the dancers and requested details on each and every one of them. The dancers gladly discussed and took photos with president Peres.
After the full meal it was time for free dancing. President Peres made sure he won't miss one dance, despite many requests that he will rest.
President Peres commented that it was a memorable event that he won't forget soon.
Photo Silvia Golan
