With Chabad of the Five Towns

Dear Friend,

Did Chanukah happen years ago, or is it happening now?Looking at the events today, you start to wonder. The storyof a little candle pushing away the monster of frighteningdarkness, of human sensibility overcoming terror and bruteforce, of life and growth overcoming destruction -- the battleis very much alive within each of us, and in the worldoutside of us.

It reoccurs at every winter solstice, at every dawn of eachday, with every photon of sunlight that breaks through theearth's atmosphere bringing it warmth and life-nurturingenergy. With every breath of life, every cry of a newbornchild, every blade of grass that breaks out from under thesoil, every decision to do good in the face of evil, to be kindwhere there is cruelty, to build where others destroy, tomove humanity forward when others pull us toward chaos.And that is Chanukah.

Chanukah is an eight-day spiritual journey. Many peopleknow the story of Chanukah -- but only as a historicalpretext to give gifts and eat latkes. We can call that the bodyof Chanukah. The soul of Chanukah is its meditation, joy,warmth and light. Not only in our homes with our lovedones, but with the entire world. In this tradition, Chabad

presents this historic Menorah Lighting. Our hope is thatby igniting our souls, everybody will follow

and light the world, one candle at a time.

We look forward to having you join usfor the Public Menorah LightingCeremony on Sunday, December21 at 6:00 pm and making thisChanukah very special.

Sincerely,

RABBI SHNEUR Z. WOLOWIK

hanukah, the Festival of Lights,recalls the victory—more than

2100 years ago—of a militarilyweak but spiritually strong Jewish

people over the mighty forces of a ruthlessenemy that had overrun the Holy Land andthreatened to engulf the land and its peoplein darkness.

The miraculous victory—culminating withthe dedication of the Sanctuary inJerusalem and the rekindling of theMenorah which had been desecrated andextinguished by the enemy—has beencelebrated annually ever since during theseeight days of Chanukah, especially bylighting the Chanukah Menorah, also as asymbol and message of the triumph offreedom over oppression, of spirit overmatter, of light over darkness.

It is a timely and reassuring message, for theforces of darkness are ever present.Moreover, the danger does not comeexclusively from outside; it often lurks closeto home, in the form of insidious erosion oftime-honored values and principles that areat the foundation of any decent humansociety. Needless to say, darkness is notchased away by brooms and sticks, but byillumination. Our sages said, “A little lightexpels a lot of darkness.”

The Chanukah lights remind us in a mostobvious way that illumination begins athome, within oneself and one’s family, byincreasing and intensifying the light of

Torah and Mitzvos in the everydayexperience, even as the Chanukah lights arekindled in growing numbers from day today. But though it begins at home, it doesnot stop there. Such is the nature of lightthat when one kindles the Chanukah lightsare expressly meant to illuminate the

“outside,” symbolically alluding to the dutyto bring light also to those who, for onereason or another, still walk in darkness.

What is true of the individual is true of anation, especially this great United States,united under G-d, and generously blessedby G-d with material as well as spiritualriches. It is surely the duty and privilege ofthis Nation to promote all the forces of lightboth at home and abroad, and in a steadilygrowing measure.

Let us pray that the message of theChanukah lights will illuminate the everydaylife of everyone personally, and of the societyat large, for a brighter life in every respect,both materially and spiritually.

! 3 ß

IlluminateTHE WORLD

Excerpt of a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

The Chanu√ah Lig¬ts willilluminate the everyday life of everyone personally, and of t¬e society at large

! 4 ß

hen Alexander the Great madepeace with Jerusalem in 3448

(-313 B.C.E.), we paid our taxes andminded our own business. Eventually, amegalomaniac named Antiochus Epiphaniesrose to power. Epiphanies means “belovedof the gods”, and Antiochus couldn’t handle

anyone having a relationshipwith any god besides himself.

He ransacked our HolyTemple in Jerusalem, and then

he outlawed circumcision,Shabbat and Tefillin—basically,

anything that had to do withJewish identity and our

relationship with the single andindefinable G-d.

Many Jews defied these decrees anddied as martyrs. Finally, Antiochusraised statues of Zeus in the

towns and demanded thatpeople worship them. In 3621(-140 B.C.E.), a priestly family ofthe Hasmonean dynasty rose upin revolt. They called themselvesthe Maccabees. This was the first

time a war was fought not over territory orpower, but for religious freedom and rights.

The problem was, five brothers of priestlyclass were no match for the most powerfularmy in the world. The miracle was thatthey won anyway. The problem was, theGreeks kept coming back with biggerarmies and (to really make a point) armoredelephants. Yet the battles became more andmore absurdly miraculous, and the

Maccabees kepton winning. Infact, they managed to chase those Greeksout of Jerusalem, clean up the desecratedTemple, and declare independence.

When the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalemand entered the Holy Temple, they found adisturbing mess—idols, forbidden foods, andbroken pottery everywhere. So they tidiedup and rededicated the Temple.

The problem was that the six-foot goldenMenorah had to be lit with pure olive oil,undefiled by those who were rituallyimpure. All the oil in the Temple had beendefiled by the Greeks. There was no onethere who could make new oil, sinceeveryone was ritually impure, having justfought a war and killed people.

The best olive oil came from the orchards ofTekoah—a three day journey away. To gothere, get the oil, and come back, wouldtake seven days. No one wanted to usesecond-class oil, but whowanted to wait?

Here’s where moremiracles occurred: First,they found a bottle of pureoil hidden beneath thefloor, still sealed with theinsignia of the HighPriest. Then, even thoughit was a single flask withjust enough oil for onenight, it somehow lasted foreight days!

THE STORYOF CHANUKAH

! 5 ß

Chanukah GeltThe Hebrew word Chanukah shares thesame root as chinuch (education). TheGreeks were determined to forceHellenism upon the Jewish population, at the expense of the ideals andcommandments of the holy Torah.Unfortunately, they succeeded in theirendeavor. After they were defeated it wasnecessary to reintroduce Torah values tomany Jews.

Appropriately, during Chanukah it iscustomary to give gelt (money) to childrento teach them to increase in charity andgood deeds; and to add to the festiveholiday spirit.

This gentle persuasion is an essentialcomponent in the educational process.Maimonides discusses the importance ofusing incentives until a child canindependently understand theimportance and beauty of the Torah.

There is also a deeper reason for this age-old custom:

“The Greeks laid their hands upon thepossessions of Israel.” —Maimonides

The Greeks assaulted the possessions ofIsrael in the same spirit in which theyruined the oil in the Holy Temple. They didnot destroy the oil; they defiled it. They didnot rob the Jewish people; they attemptedto infuse their possessions with Greekideals — that they be used for egotisticaland impure ends, rather than holy pursuits.

Chanukah gelt celebrates the freedom andmandate to channel material wealthtoward spiritual ends.

The most significant night to give is on thefifth, the first night that there are moreflames than darkness. The LubavitcherRebbe encouraged the admirable customof gelt-giving each night of Chanukah(aside from Shabbat).

! 6 ß

When the GreekAntiochus forbade Torahstudy, Jewish childrenstudied together secretlyin caves. When theyheard a Greek officerapproaching, they wouldhide their schoolbooks

and pretend to be playing with tops.

We play dreidel on Chanuka as areminder of these brave children and theircourage. The word dreidel comes fromthe Yiddish drei, which means “turn”. Ourdreidels have four sides, with a Hebrewletter imprinted on each: Nun, Gimmel,Hay,and Shin. These stand for the Hebrewwords Ness Gadol Haya Sham, which

means “a great miracle happenedthere”, in reference to the

Maccabees’ miraculousvictory.

To play, you need a dreidel and somecoins (or anything small but easilycounted, like candy or cheerios). Allplayers begin with an equal number, andalso establish the “pot” by contributingequally.

The Rules: 1. Take turns spinning the dreidel.

If it lands on:

נ Nun—get nothing. Bang fist on table.

ג Gimmel—take the whole pot.Everybody cheers.

ה Hay—take half the pot. Everybodysays, “Oooohhhh.”

ש Shin—pay two into the pot.Everybody says, “Aaaaawwww.”

2. If the pot empties out, everyonecontributes equally once again.

3. You can always raise the ante, askingeveryone to match the amount you

add to the pot.

DreideL

! 7 ß

he central miracle ofChanukah is that a single

flask of oil, enough for onlyone day, burned for eightdays. Theories abound as to

how it actually happened. Somesources say that each day all the oilburned and was consumed, andwas miraculously replenished.Some say that the oil wasn’t reallyconsumed at all, and the flameexhibited all characteristics ofa flame, yet somehowwas not quite aflame. Others,without going intodetail, simply referto a midrashwhich states thatG-d can “fit anelephant throughthe eye of a needle”.

When G-d createdthe world, heestablished specificpatterns and asense of order. Wecall these the lawsof nature, ofphysics, of logic.These are anexpression of G-d’sdesire for a world of predictable elementsbehaving as though they are self-governingand self-sufficient.

Only in a seemingly autonomous world is itpossible to have true freedom of choice. Adecision based on foreign influences is notreally a choice, because it is induced byexternal factors. If G-d was fully revealed tous, we would be compelled to do what Hewants, and free choice would not exist.Without the possibility of choosing wrong,

there is no value in choosing right.The purpose of an “independent”environment is to enable us to chosewell and experience achievement.

The fact is, though, that every act of“nature” is directed by G-d, andmiraculous. Every sunrise, everythundercloud, every time gravitymakes a plate drop and shatter –every illusion of order is producedand maintained constantly by G-d.

How, then, would G-d fit anelephant through the

eye of a needle?Would He make the

elephant smaller,or would He

expand the eye ofthe needle?

Perhaps neither. TheCreator of logic isnot limited by logic.The elephant could

remain big, the eyeof the needle small.And He would fitthe elephantthrough the eye ofthe needle. Withregards to theChanukah miracle,it’s reasonable that

the flame was consuming oil, but the oilwas not consumed!

G-d has created for us an extraordinaryworld where nature appears to proceedaccording to its own laws, and somehow,miracles of the highest order can occur.Each Chanukah flame has the capacity toignite many others, the infinite containedwithin the finite. May the miraculous lightof our menorahs chase away darkness andradiate ever outwards.

To Burn orNot to Burn

! 8 ß

Eight Neat Facts about Chanukah

The first satellite hookup ofChanukah Menorah lightingsaround the world took placein 1989 and linked Jews in 10countries. It was also the firsttime in modern history thatimages of Moscow’s Jews

were broadcast for an extendedperiod of time to the Western world.

The ancient Jewish sagestaught that the firstlight created was toopowerful for humans touse, so G-d hid it away for thetime when the world wouldachieve a higher state. That’sthe light that shines out of your Chanukahmenorah.

The Maccabees regainedJerusalem thanks to abrave woman namedYehudit. She served saltycheese and strongwine to the Greekgovernor of the cityand then, as he slept a deep sleep, took hissword and decapitated him.

The Menorah in theTemple in Jerusalem had

only seven branches.Each one heldexactly the sameamount of oil, but

the lamp closest to theHoly of Holies burned twice

as long as the rest.

Maimonides writes that the Menorah inthe Temple in Jerusalem was decorated

with 22 cups — allturned upsidedown! This wassymbolic of G-d’sblessing pouringdown upon theworld.

The windows of the Holy Templewere wider outside than in.Rather than let the sunlightin like all other windows,the Temple windows werebuilt to let the light of theMenorah out, to shine intothe rest of the world.

! 8 ß

Estimated numberof latkes to beeaten at publicMenorahlightings thisyear: 500,000.

Shabbat candles are lit beforedark, inside our home. By

contrast, Chanukah‘s candlesspread light into the darkness

of the night, from a windowfacing out into the street.

Shabbat candles bring lightwithin, but the Chanukah lights

extend further, also transforming thedarkness outside.

INGREDIENTS:5 large potatoes, peeled 1 large onion 3 eggs ¹/³ cup flour 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ¾ cup oil for frying

Use: 10-inch skillet Yields: 4 to 6 servings

Grate potatoes and onion and strain through acolander, pressing out excess water.

Add eggs, flour, and seasoning.

Mix well.

Heat ½ cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place1 large tablespoon batter at a time into hotsizzling oil and fry until golden (approx 5 min).

Turn over and fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from pan and place on paper towels todrain excess oil. Continue with

remaining batter untilfinished, adding more oil

when necessary.

Serve with a side ofapplesauce.

Latkes By the light of theChanukah Menorah, young and old enjoy thiscrisp, holiday treat!

Since the miracle of Chanukah happened with oil (the olive oil in themenorah), we eat oily foods on Chanukah, such as donuts and potatolatkes. (The miracle is that we eat them for eight days and survive.)

Oil also symbolizes the secret wisdom of the Torah known as theKabbalah. Like oil seeps through a fabric, this wisdom permeates everyaspect of the Torah. Yet, just as oil remains separate and floats abovewater, the true depth of Kabbalah always remains just beyond our grasp.

! 9 ß

! 10 ß

1. All the lampholders of your menorahshould be of even height and in an even

line, except for the shamash (servicecandle), which should be at a distinctlydifferent height than the rest.

2.The optimum place for a menorah isin a doorway, opposite the mezuzah.

You can also use a window that is visiblefrom the street.

3.A married couple or family isconsidered one unit, so the husband

can light for everyone. If you are livingalone, you also need a menorah. To get thekids involved, they can light their ownmenorahs.

4.On the first night, light the candlefurthest to the right. Each day, add

another to the left of the original. Alwayslight the newly added candle first.

5.The right time to light is at nightfall(about 20 minutes after sunset).Your

menorah should remain lit for at least a ½hour past nightfall. You may light earlier,but make sure it is able to stay lit for therequisite ½ hour past nightfall.

6.Got home late? As long as someone’saround to see the menorah, you can

still light it with a blessing. After that, lightthe menorah without a blessing.

7.On Friday afternoon, both yourmenorah and Shabbat candles should

be lit 18 minutes before sunset. Don’t eventhink of lighting after sunset. Your menorahmay need more fuel to last until ½ hourafter nightfall.

8.Women, take a break. Women playeda very important role in the victory of

the Maccabees (the story of Yehudit). Forthis reason women have the custom to taketime out from doing household choreswhile the Menorah burn. How long? Atleast half an hour.

The menorah brings light into our homesand radiates onto the street. We, too,

have the capacity to transform the outsideworld by spreading goodness and

kindness, and significantly weaken thespiritual darkness. Here’s how to light the

menorah properly:

How Lig¬tto

YOUR CHANUKAH

Calendar

! 11 ß

BLESSINGS

,m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Ρ` ,ˆd dY©` KExAwi¦l§c©d§l Ep«²E¦v±e ,eizF§v¦n§A Ep«¨W§C¦w x¤W£`

.d¨M´p£g x¯p

Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hei-nuMelech Ha-olam, Asher Ki-de-sha-nu

Be-mitz-vo-sav,Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Chanukah

,m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Ρ` ,ˆd dY©` KExAm¥d¨d mi¦n²I©A ,Epi«¥zFa£`©l mi¦Q°p d¨U¨r¤W

.d®G©d o©n±G¦A Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hei-nuMelech Ha-olam, She-asa Nisim

La-a-vo-sai-nu, Ba-ya-mim Ha-haim Biz-man Ha-zeh.

,m¨lFr¨d K¤l«¤n Epi«¥w÷Ρ` ,ˆd dY©` KExA.d®G©d o©n±G©l Ep«¨ri°B¦d±e Ep«¨n±I¦w±e Ep«²i¡g¤d¤W

Baruch Atah Ado-noi,lo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam,

She-heh-che-yah-nu Ve-kiye-ma-nuVe-hi-gi-ah-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.

After lighting, say or sing this:

ukkv ,urbv Ha-nei-ros Ha-la-luOnu Mad-li-kin, Al Hat-shu-os,

Ve-al Ha-nisim, Ve-al Ha-nif-la-os,She-a-si-sa La-avo-sei-nu

Ba-ya-mim Ha-haim Biz-manHa-zeh, Al yi-dei Ko-ha-ne-chaHak-doshim. Ve-chol Shmo-nas Yi-mei Chanukah, Ha-nei-ros Ha-la-lu Ko-desh Heim, vi-ein La-nu Ri-shus Li-hish-ta-meish Ba-hein, Ela Lir-o-san Bil-vad,

Ki-dei Li-ho-dos Uli-ha-lel Le-shim-cha Ha-ga-dol, Al

Ni-se-cha Ve-al Nif-le-o-se-cha Ve-al Ye-shu-o-se-cha.

rum zugn Ma-oz Tzur Yi-shu-asi,Licha Na-eh Li-sha-bei-ach.

Ti-kon Beis Te-fi-la-si, Ve-shamTodah Ne-za-bei-ach. Li-eis

Ta-chin Mat-bei-ach, Mi-tzurHa-mi-na-bei-ach, Az Eg-mor Be-shir Miz-mor Cha-nu-kas

Ha-miz-bei-ach.

FIRST NIGHT OF CHANUKAHSunday, December 21, 2008—Kislev 25, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1, 2 and 3, and kindle one light onyour menorah.

SECOND NIGHT OF CHANUKAHMonday, December 22, 2008—Kislev 26, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle two lights onyour menorah.

THIRD NIGHT OF CHANUKAHTuesday, December 23, 2008—Kislev 27, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle three lights onyour menorah.

FOURTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAHWednesday, December 24, 2008—Kislev 28, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle four lights on yourmenorah.

FIFTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAH Thursday, December 25, 2008—Kislev 29, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle five lights onyour menorah.

SIXTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAHFriday, December 26, 2008—Kislev 30, 5769Before sunset recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle six lights onyour menorah. The menorah must be lit BEFORE lighting theShabbat Candles (18 minutes before sunset).Light Shabbat Candles (see chabad.org for your local times.)

SEVENTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAHShabbat, December 27, 2008 - Tevet 1, 5769After nightfall recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle seven lightson your menorah.The menorah must be lit AFTER Shabbat ends and theHavdalah is recited.

EIGHTH NIGHT OF CHANUKAHSunday, December 28, 2008 - Tevet 2, 5769After sunset, recite blessings 1 and 2, and kindle eight lights onyour menorah.

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