#4 The Chanukah Food Groups

Today, I explore why Jews eat oily food and dairy during Chanukah. As for the rest of the year, you are on your own.

You might not know the story of Judith of Bethulia. A pious widow who was known for her cooking ...well let's just say she used her blade for more than slicing cheese.

 Caravaggio (and kind of a spolier)

#3 The Miracle of the Oil

For all you sticklers for detail (and I suspect I know who you are) here are a few links that discuss the Miracle of the Oil with intelligence and research.

I like Malka Simkovich's article about the "political" reasons for adding a miracle 600 years after the "fact."

My Jewish Learning has an oddly contemporary feel to it.



Here is my video. It's just odd.

#2 Not for Gentiles Only: The Book of Maccabees

The Book of Maccabees which is the foundation of the Chanukah is not found in the Hebrew Bible. Nor in the Protestant Bible (except as part of the Apocrypha, works of 'dubious' origin.)

It is found in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bible.

There are several theories as to why this Book is not part of the Jewish Canon. I would tell you myself but I have to go shopping for dinner.

Here is a link that might help you with all of that. Why the Maccabees aren't in the Bible.

And enjoy Episode 2:

1. #Not for Gentiles Only: How to Spell and Pronounce Upcoming Jewish Holiday

It's Holiday time again. And there is the one with Santa and the Wise Men. The mistletoe and holly. There is one with 7 candles placed in a Kinara and reading the 7 Principles. And then there is the Jewish one.

This is the first of 8 posts explaining, deconstructing, and having fun with the holiday which begins on the 25th of Kislev.