Chanuka- Family Atmosphere - חנוכה ומשפחתיות

From the spirit of the Maccabees to the display of defiance of Natan Sharansky there is something about Chanukah that has always captivated the imagination of the Jewish people so much so that wherever they are and in whatever situation they are in, they still demand lighting the Chanukah candles. It was written at the turn of the century, that:

he Maccabees’ victory proved that the Jews – then already an old people – possessed the secret eternal youth: the ability to rejuvenate itself through courage, hope, enthusiasm and devotion.

Togetherness and Family Atmosphere

Family values have become the social issue of the day. Many people will tell you that most major ills of modern society can be traced to a breakdown in the fabric of families.

The ideal place for a menorah is at the door of the house. In addition to publicizing the miracle, the menorah is positioned here so that the entrance to one's home is "surrounded by mitzvot" - i.e. the menorah on the left side and the mezuzah on the right. Chanukah brings together all the symbols of the Jewish home.

Every mezuzah, no matter how simple or elaborate the exterior casing may be, contains the exact same piece of parchment, inscribed with the Shema Yisrael: "Hear o' Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is One." This sentence contains the essence of Judaism. A Jewish home, more than anything else, is meant to be a place for fostering Jewish values and ideals. The mezuzah on our doorpost reminds us that a home is a place for learning, for growth and for spirituality, not just a shelter from the rain.

In many ways, the Jewish family is central to Chanukah:

-        The revolt against the Greeks was spearheaded by a family, the Hasmoneans.

-        Another family, Chana and her seven sons (all of whom gave their lives rather than denying their devotion to God), stand as the ultimate symbol of dedication to Judaism.

-       According to Jewish law, one should always try to light the menorah when the entire family is gathered together.

-         The Talmudic terminology for the obligation to light the menorah on Chanukah is "one candle for each household."

During Chanukah, one's front door, the entranceway to Jewish family life, is to be surrounded by mitzvot. The mezuzah calls our mind to the values and ideals that are taught and discussed and lived in a Jewish home, while the menorah reminds us of the willingness of Jewish families to fight for the survival of the Jewish life.

Jewish survival and Jewish revival begins and ends in the Jewish home.

         Games   

Ideas for the meeting:

O   The Chanichim all act out different Chagim for the rest of the kvutsah to guess what it is. Then you begin to act out Chanukah, but you include waiving the Arba Minim. At this point the Chanichim will scream and shout that you have got it wrong and you say…..

O   Remember that most Chanichim love to talk about themselves so if the discussion has them at the centre then you should be alright. Ask them to describe exactly how they feel during different Chagim at different times. For example how do you feel during the Seder Service, how do you feel when you eat in the Succah and finally what sort of atmosphere is created when you light the Chanukah lights?

O   Go to a small badly lit room and shut the door so it gets very dark. Slowly open the door and let the light come in. Try to describe how the light of Chanukah has been symbolically lighting up the Jews for so long. Now would be a good time to read out the story from the Ghetto. (Ask your Rashim)

O   A bit of gambling is of the essence. Play the dreidle and gamble with sweets or something else, (seeing as money is not allowed!)

O   Read through the picture story of Chanukah allowing the Chanichim to work out exactly what the story is. (Again ask your Rashim)

O   Remember to have a laugh and prepare them for the family atmosphere at Bnei Akiva Winter Machanot.