1. Get ready! Chanukah begins this year at nightfall of Friday December 11. The Chanukah candles are lit before the Shabbat candles. In Athens, the Candle lighting time is 16:44. On Saturday they are lit after Shabbat goes out at 17:44.
2. A great selection of Jewish presents, Chanukah articles and Judaica is available at the Bazar of the Resteion, this Sunday December 6, from 10:30 to 17:30, where we will have a stand (Directions to the Resteion). (We will also have a stand at the school Bazar on Sunday, December 13). See you there, and remember that all proceeds do to charitable causes!
3. These very days, 48 volunteers are distributing Chanukiya and candles to all Jewish households of Athens! The project “sharing light” is received with great enthusiasm and this is the occasion to congratulate and thank all the volunteers. There are still a few areas to cover so if you wish to participate in the project “sharing light” and distribute candles in your area, please contact us!
4. Chanukah, celebrated this year for the 2,147th time, commemorates the miracle of the victory of the few against the many, as well as the miracle of the oil that lasted for 8 days. To read more about the story of Chanukah, click here . Chanukah is the occasion to pay attention to the small miracles surrounding us!
5. Since the miracle happened with oil, the tradition is to eat fried foods such as potato latkes and/or deep-fried doughnuts known as sufganiyot. Click here for some great recipes. Warning: May result in extra weight.
6. Chanukah means dedication in Hebrew. Following the Maccabees' victory over the Syrians Hellenists, they reclaimed the Holy Temple and rededicated it to the service of G-d. Chanukah is also related to the word “Chinuch” – education. Did you know that you have more than 40 parenting articles (in Greek) in our website? (click here for many more in English)
7. It takes 44 candles, including the shamash to properly celebrate all the nights of Chanukah. If you need candles, please, don’t hesitate to contact us!
8. Playing dreidel (sevivon) is a nice Chanukah tradition. Under the rule of Antiochus, Torah study was forbidden so it was studied in secret. If an official came along, Jewish children would quickly pull out these toys and appear to just be playing. The letters nun, gimmel, hay and shin stand for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, "A great miracle happened there." In Israel, the shin is substituted with a Pei, making it Nes Gadol Hayah Po, "A great miracle happened here." Click here for more questions and answers Greek and English .
9. Chanukah is a time of games, of joy, of family and friends gathering. Get into the spirit with this fun crossword made by Elias Messinas.
10. Don’t forget to send Chanukah greeting cards to your friends and family!
