Cosmic Reference Library Source Sheet

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On Hanukkah, the roots of the season become branches, torches of fire to light our way into the next season, when the light will grow and we will begin the ascent into spring.

The Jewish Book of Days

Hanukkah and its Symbols

• Hanukkah (Jewish Encyclopedia)
• Hanukkah 101 (Reform)
• The History of Hanukkah (MJL)
• The Mysteries of Hanukkah (OU)
• History and meaning of Hanukkah Menorah (Breaking Matzo)
• Why Hanukkah is Important (PeelaPom)
• Hanukkiah: The Symbol of Kislev (Peelapom)
• Chanukah: The Shamash Candle (Peelapom)
• The Hidden Mystery of the Dreidel (Inner.org)

Sukkot celebrates the harvest of the earth; Hanukkah, the second Sukkot, celebrates the harvest of fire.

The Jewish Book of Days

Rituals & Texts

• Jewish Texts about Hanukkah (MJL)
• Hannukah Seder (Devotaj)
• Megillat Antiochus (Open Siddur)
• Chanukah Ritual for the Seventh Night (Telshemesh)
• Festival of the Daughters (Telshmesh)
• Chanukat haTekufah/Ritual for Chanukah and the Winter Solstice (Telshemesh)
• Ritual for the Sixth Night of Chanukah (Telshemesh)

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple, the most holy space of the people.

The Jewish Book of Days

Connection to the Solstice

• Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice (MJL)
• The Winter Solstice: Chanukah And The Darkest Point Of Light (JewishAction.com)
• Tekufah Tevet – Jewish Winter Solstice (PeelaPom)

By lighting lights at Hanukkah, we become messengers of radiance, helping ourselves and others rise up like sparks from a flame.

The Jewish Book of Days

Music & Prayers

• Standard Candle Lighting Blessings (Reform)
• Candle Lighting Chant (RK’Jill Hammer and Ketzirah)
• Eight Angels on Eight Nights (Ritual Well)
• Four Hanukkah Songs (MJL)
• Chanukah Songs (OU)
• 11 Modern Hanukkah Songs (Reform)

The Hanukkah nights invite us into a flickering temple of warmth and holiness. When Hanukkah ends, we may not want it to be over, but the womb of Hanukkah is only a preparation for the planting and harvest that will come. The re-dedication of the Temple does not happen so that we can stay in the Temple but so that we can leave it.

The Jewish Book of Days

Book Excerpts

Book excerpts are from private files of Cosmic Reference Library including:

• Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols