The first night of Hanukkah (Chanukkah) in 2010 is celebrated on December 1st, or 25 Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/671899/jewish/When-is-Chanukah-in-2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-and-2015.htm
The first night of Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the first candle on the menorah at nightfall and by singing or reciting the Hanukkah blessings. For the following 7 nights, another candle is added to the menorah, going from left to right. By the eight night each of the candles are lit. The center candle is called the shammus.http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm The first night of Hanukkah 2009 was on December 11 at sunset.
If you are looking for information on the First Night of Hanukkah traditions, blessings, prayers and rituals, this page links to a variety of informative, inspirational and reliable resources from across the web.
First Night of Hanukkah
Learn about the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah with Rabbi Eli Levitansky.
Hanukkah Blessings
The Hanukkah Blessings are spoken each night while lighting the menorah, but there is a special blessing that is added only on the first night of Hanukkah.
'"Blessed art thou, Lord our God, Master of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and has brought us to this special time.Hebrew for Christians: Chanukah Blessings
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is the celebration of the reclaiming of the Jewish temple after it was seized by Greek soldiers and rededicated to their god Zeus. The Jewish people were afraid of the soldiers, and wished not to make more trouble for themselves, but there was small band led by Judah Maccabee who wanted to fight and reclaim the temple.
The Maccabees went into the temple and discovered that many of the relics there had been damaged or stolen. They wanted to light the Sabbath candles, but discovered that there was only enough oil to last one night. The oil lasted for eight nights, which allowed time for them to find more oil, and this was considered a great miracle.History.com: The History of Hanukkah
How to Spell Hanukkah
For information on the traditional spelling of Hanukkah, listen to Rabbi Eli Levitansky as he teaches both the spelling and pronunciation. The traditional spelling of the word is "Chanukah." More Chanukah facts and tutorials are available for viewing on the MahaloDotCom YouTube account.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
Rabbi Eli Levitansky offers information on how to celebrate Hanukkah through this Mahalo.com holiday tutorial. One way the holiday is through the lighting of the menorah each night. Hanukkah is also celebrated with traditional foods and games.
How to Light Hanukkah Candles
Rabbi Eli Levitansky teaches viewers how to light Hanukkah candles. To light the menorah,use the shamus candle lighting a single candle the first night. The first night three blessings are said and other nights have two each. An additional candle is added each night.
When is Hanukkah?
If you have ever asked yourself the question when is hanukkah?, watch this video, which will answer all you need to know. The video is hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitanksy and is part of the Mahalo.com channel published on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky discusses what is hanukkah, (the celebration of lights) in this Mahalo.com produced video. The traditions and history of Hanukkah are discussed as well as what it represents today. This video is published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube and is part of a wider series focusing on Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Latkes and Sufganiyot
Rabbi Eli Levitansky talks about traditional Hanukkah foods in this video. Featured are latkes and sufganiyot. Full descriptions are provided about the food as well as why they became traditional at Hanukkah time. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Play the Dreidel on Hanukkah
Rabbi Evi Levitansky discusses how to play the dreidel on Hanukkah. The dreidel is a four sided spinning top played with during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. This video is part of a wider series available on the Mahalo.com channel of videos available on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah Gelt?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky returns with another Mahalo.com produced video, this one teaches what is Hanukkah gelt? The video focuses on money, which is given to children at Hanukkah. Watch the video to learn more, this video is part of a wider series of videos produced on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
What Time Does Hanukkah begin?
If you have ever wondered when Hanukkah begins, then watch this video which will provide the answer. Hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitansky and produced by Mahalo.com this video is part of the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
References
Fast Facts
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First night of Hanukkah on the Jewish Calendar
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Fact:
It is traditional to light the menorah outside or where it can be seen from outsideHebrew for Christians: Chanukah Blessings
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Fact:
The tallest candle on the menorah is called the ShamashAkhlah: First Night of Hanukkah
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Fact:
The Hebrew word Chanukah translates to "dedication"Aish.com: What is Chanukah
