It’s the conversation piece in every classroom: “So, what did you get for Chanuka?” Some families give large gifts, some give small ones, some give one gift for each night of Chanuka, some give one for the Chag. Whatever the case, it seems like it has become the custom for many families to give gifts

2016 represents the 40th anniversary of the Israel Defense Force’s miraculous rescue of over 100 hostages whose Paris bound Air France Airbus was hijacked by cruel terrorists. After their heroic return, Menachem Begin referred to the Israeli commandos who risked their lives flying thousands of miles from home as “Dor Makabim Bi’yameinu” modern day Maccabees.

If you’ve been active on social media this week, you might have seen this iconic photograph: a menorah stands on a windowsill while across the street Nazi flag hangs. Rare Historical Photographs has the full story. In 1931 the last night of Chanukah fell on a Friday night. In the small German town of Kiel,

Hanukkah has been in the house for the past week and we’re winding down (dare I say overloaded) on all manner of latkes (kale and kumquat anyone) and stuffed sprinkled and calorie laden sufganiyot. I say it’s time to step out of expected zone for the last nights of menorah madness and try a few

One of the highlights of Chanukah in Washington Heights is the candlelighting at K’hal Adath Jeshurun (KAJ/”Breuer’s”) and the singing of Maoz Tzur by the KAJ choir between Mincha and Maariv. (Please click here and here to view more.) This event, aside from being inherently inspiring, undoubtedly arouses various thoughts and feelings on the part

The recent attacks in Paris were ferocious. We join the world in mourning the loss of life and praying for their families as well as for the recovery of the injured. The State of Israel was swift to declare, “We feel your pain.” Tragically, the citizens of the Jewish state have spent three months being

Although potato latkes are a traditional Chanukah treat, why not experiment this year by making latkes with other vegetables? With the recipes below, you can enjoy a different kind of latke every night of Chanukah! I prefer to use russet potatoes because they are higher in starch and have a lower water content. However, you

I think this Cupcake “Menorah” (not to replace the real one!) is such a cute and easy idea. You can start with any boxed cake mix recipe and use ready-made frosting or make your favorite basic cake and frosting recipe. Make a healthier choice using recipes for Banana Bread or Carrot Cake. Just bake them

In honor of Chanukah, it is traditional to eat foods fried in oil, including luscious latkes and sufganiyot (Israeli-style donuts traditionally filled with jam). Dairy dishes, especially those made with cheese, are also customary because the Jewish heroine Yehudit killed Holofernes, the Assyrian general, after feeding him cheese and wine. The challenge for today’s kosher

A CBS News report on Chanukah found the OU’s Rabbi Eliyahu Safran front and center – along with his massive collection of dreidels: