Dear Friends,

As we approach the holiday season, all of us at Sar-El would like to take this opportunity to wish our many volunteers and supporters a Happy Hanukah, or a Merry Christmas. We hope this holiday season finds you well and enjoying the company of friends and family.  This is the time of year during which we can all reflect on our many blessings and voice our hopes for the year ahead.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of  you who were able to join us this year as volunteers, and we look forward to your next visit to Israel. We would also like to thank our supporters around the globe for their time, hard-work and donations.

From your friends and family in Israel,

Shalom,

Davidi

E-mail: davidi@sar-el.org

What is Chanukah?

Chanukah is an eight day holiday which begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. It marks the miraculous victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression. In addition to being victorious in war, another miracle occurred: When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, they found only one flask of oil with which to light the Menorah. This small flask lasted for eight days. In order to commemorate this miracle, we light a Menorah for the eight days of Chanukah.

Traditions

 The Hanukiyah (menorah) should be placed in a prominent viewing place near the entrance to your home.  Each evening, candles are lit for the number of corresponding days of Chanukah up to 8 on the last night.  Candles are placed from right to left and then are lit from left to right using the shamash.  Traditional

Chanukah foods include almost anything fried (such as latkes and doughnuts) to celebrate the miracle of the oil .