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Yarmulkes (or Kippot) are head-coverings, also known as beanies. One who wears a Yarmulke is in effect saying that reality does not begin with me—there is something above, a Higher Power. Hence its name, “yarmulke,” which is a contraction of “yarei malka,” which means awe of the King. It is a symbol of humility and submission to the Divine.

Technically, you can use anything to cover your head—baseball cap, pillowcase, etc. Even those who don’t wear a yarmulke all the time, will generally wear it when praying or studying Torah.

It is also known as “Kippah”, which means “dome”.

Source: http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=536&o=517

 The 15th day of the month of Shvat marks the beginning of the “new year” for trees.Tu B’Shvat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees which were grown in the land of Israel may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year’s fruit is for G-d, and after that, the fruit can be eaten. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B’Shvat, no matter when in the year it was planted.

It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the land of Israel to mark the occasion.

This year (5768 / 2007-2008) Tu B’Shvat falls on January 22, 2008.

Source: http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/tubshvat/

Been there, done that. When you don’t plan for Purim well enough in advance, Purim can feel like a disaster.

Purim is only 1-2 days but it can feel like an entire month due to the amount of preparation and the actual schedule of the holiday.

There is a lot to do in a little bit of time, and if you do not adequately organize yourself, you are going to get caught up in the undertow.

I’m serious! This happened to me for a while every year. I would not notice how soon Purim would come and then it would be here and I would be madly dashing to the store for mishloach manos and forgetting to make my kids costumes and you name it. I felt very overwhelmed.

When I started implementing this strategy, towards the beginning of the Purim month- I accomplished everything I needed to, and extra!

Here’s the strategy for making Purim Perfectly Organized (excerpted from Purim Perfectly Organized)

My sister once gave me a great tip for packing for travel. She said to ”run down” your body to remind yourself of what to pack in your suitcase.

For instance- starting with my head, I pack my sheital, scarves, snoods, hairbrush, and hair accessories. Next are my eyes- contact lenses, a pair of glasses and contact solution. Whatever you need for each body part should come to mind.

I like using this tip for planning how the actual holiday will progress. Instead of using the body I just think about the natural progression of the day. For example, what time is the Purim feast? Where are you going? What are you bringing? Do you need to bring activities for your kids?

My husband and I started this tradition while our kids were very little (they still are) and that is- thinking about the actual day and how it will progress.

The reason we started when the kids were young was actually for no other reason then we had to work out the logisitics of going to shul while one person would be home for naptime or one would hear megillah reading while the other would stay with the kids. You know how it is.

Having a plan for how the actual day will go is good whether or not your kids are young/old or whether or not you actually have kids.

Make a mental rundown of the day from beginning to end.

* The Fast

* Break Fast

* Megillah in the evening

* Megillah in the morning

* Shaloch Manos

* Matanos Le’evyonim

* The Seudah

Think about each category- the fast, do you fast well? Do you need childcare while you rest?

Think about anything you could possibly need or want or for that matter, what your kids might need or want for the day. You might come up with “pack snacks for shul for the kids” and then add this to your planner.

Rivka Slatkin is the founder of Jewish Life Organized and started it when she herself was looking to organize the Jewish Holidays. Rivka did a lot of research on how others organizing the Yomim Tovim and posted her findings on her website for her friends and family. Lots more people found Jewishlifeorganized.com and wanted copies of the Yom Tov Perfectly Organized Collection. “I guess I wasn’t the only one looking to get more organized for the holidays!”, Rivka says. Go to http://www.jewish-life-organized.com to sign up for Rivka’s free newsletter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rivka_Slatkin

By Eliyahu Kitov

The Chanukah lights (Menorah) should be lit when the stars appear. If one did not light then, one may still light through the remainder of the night, provided that the members of the household are still awake. If one was inadvertently unable to light the Chanukah lights until very late – when everyone is already asleep (and it is not possible to awaken two or three of them) and thus one cannot achieve publicizing of the miracle – he should light without making a blessing. Once night has passed, the lights cannot be lit and one cannot make up for having failed to perform the mitzvah. He can only light the next evening as does everyone else.

For the half hour preceding the time when the lights are to be lit, one is forbidden to eat a “fixed” meal or to partake of anything intoxicating. When the prescribed time has arrived, even the study of Torah is prohibited until the Chanukah lights are lit. When the stars appear, the evening prayers are recited and is followed immediately by the lighting of the Chanukah lights. In Jerusalem, many follow the custom of the Vilna Gaon and light the Chanukah lights at sunset, prior to the evening prayers.1

The lights should burn for at least half an hour; thus, when lighting, there should be sufficient oil for them to burn for that amount of time. Those who light at sunset must place sufficient oil for the lights to burn for at least fifty minutes – twenty minutes from sunset until the appearance of the stars and thirty minutes afterwards.

If, at the time when the chanukah lights were lit, there was an insufficient amount of oil for them to burn for the requisite period, one has not fulfilled the mitzvah and one may not add oil after the lights have been lit. Rather, one must extinguish the flame, add oil, and relight the lights without the blessing. The essence of the mitzvah is the act of lighting – thus, there must be sufficient oil at the time of lighting to burn for the required time.

If one poured more than the required amount of oil for the lights, he may extinguish them after they have burned for more than half an hour after the appearance of the stars, if he wishes to use the excess oil for lighting on the following evening. He may also extinguish the lights in order to use the remaining oil for some other purpose, provided that he specifically stipulated that he had intention to do so before he used the oil for the Chanukah lights. For this reason, no use may be made of the oil or wicks that remain after the last night of Chanukah unless one specifically stipulated – before lighting – that he intended to use whatever remained for other purposes. If he made no stipulation, they should be burned.

If the Chanukah lights were accidentally extinguished during the prescribed period, they should be relit without a blessing. If one failed to relight them, he will nevertheless still have fulfilled the mitzvah, for as we have seen, the essence of the mitzvah is the act of lighting.

As long as the Chanukah lights are burning – even if the prescribed period has passed – no benefit may be derived from their light and they may not be moved from place to place. If one wants to use their light for some other purpose after they have burned for the prescribed period, he should first extinguish them and then relight them [only if he made a stipulation – as above].

On Friday afternoon, the lighting of the Chanukah lights precedes the lighting of the Shabbat candles. One should be careful to use sufficient oil to ensure that they remain lit for at least half an hour after the appearance of the stars.

On motza’ei Shabbat (Saturday night), customs differ – among many, the Chanukah lights are lit after Havdalah; others reverse the order. A person should therefore follow the custom of his forefathers. Among Sephardic communities, Chanukah lights are lit in the synagogue before Havdalah and at home, Havdalah precedes the lighting.

Article aource: chabad.org

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

The scrolls inside the Tefillin will decay with age if not used on a regular basis. Therefore, tefillin which have been stored without use for an extended period must be inspected by a competent scribe twice every seven years. Tefillin which are used regularly (good for you!) technically do not have to be checked at all. This is provided that the exterior box has not been damaged, torn or soaked.

Nevertheless, it is proper to check tefillin occasionally, even if they are in constant use. “Better safe than sorry” — can certainly apply to such a special Mitzvah which has such a profound affect on a person’s daily life. Many Chassidim have the custom of checking their tefillin (and Mezuzot) every year during the month of Elul — adding another mitzvah to their arsenal in preparation for the Days of Judgment.

Zion Judaica sells Tefillin Sets and all other Religous Articles.

Article source: http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=149&o=286

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg 

Do you really need an excuse to give gifts! Well for those of you who are too frugal to give gifts for no good reason whatsoever… here goes:The word “Chanukah” comes from the same word as “chinuch (education).” The Greeks wanted to make us forget the holy Torah, thus when they were defeated it was necessary to start reeducating the (Jewish people, and especially the) children.

When giving Chanukah gelt (money), we also try to educate the children about the importance of giving charity with their own money.

Maimonides writes that it is important to use incentives in order to educate a child (until he/she is old enough to independently understand the importance and beauty of the Torah and mitzvos). On Chanukah, the holiday which is dedicated to education, we tell the children: “Here is some Chanukah gelt (money), an incentive for you to study Torah properly.”

When giving Chanukah gelt, we also try to educate the children about the importance of giving charity with their own money.Source: http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=104&o=19338

I Have a Little Dreidel
I have a little dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!

(Chorus)

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel
I made it out of clay
And when it’s dry and ready
Then dreidel I shall play!

It has a lovely body
With legs so short and thin
And when my dreidel’s tired
It drops and then I win!

(Chorus)

My draydel’s always playful
It loves to dance and spin
A happy game of dreidel
Come play now, let’s begin!

(Chorus)

---

Sivivon, sov, sov, sov
Sivivon, sov, sov, sov
Chanuka, hu chag tov
Chanuka, hu chag tov
Sivivon, sov, sov, sov!

Chag simcha hu la-am
Nes gadol haya sham
Nes gadol haya sham
Chag simcha hu la-am.(Translation)
Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.
Chanuka is a great holiday.
It is a celebration for our nation.
A great miracle happened there.

---

Maoz Tzur - Transliteration
Maoz tzur yeshua-si
Lecha na-eh li-sha-beyach
Tikone bais ti-fee-lasi
Vi-sham todah ni-za-beyach.
Li-ase ta-chin mat-beyach
Mee-tzar ham-na-beyach
Az eg-more vi-sheer meez-mor
Chanukas ha-meez-beyach
Az eg-more vi-sheer meez-mor
Chanukas ha-meez-beyach.(Translation)
O Rock of my salvation, with delight we praise You.
Restore the Temple where we will bring offerings.
When You will eliminate our enemies,
Then I shall sing at the rededication.

---

Chanuka, Chanuka
Chanuka, Chanuka
Chag yafeh kol kach
Ohr chaviv, mi-savis
Gil li-yeled rach.
Chanuka, Chanuka
Sivivon, sov, sov
Sov, sov, sov! Sov, sov, sov!
Ma nayim vi-tov.(Tranlation)
Chanuka is a greay holiday.
Surrounded with lovely light.
Fun for little children.
Dreidel, spin, spin, spin.
How wonderful!

---

Chanuka, oh Chanuka
Chanuka, Oh Chanuka, come light the Menorah
Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the hora
Gather round the table, we’ll all have a treat
Sivivon to play with, and latkes to eat.And while we are playing
The candles are burning bright
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.
One for each night, they shed a sweet light
To remind us of days long ago.
Source: http://hanukkah.123holiday.net/hanukkah_songs.html

Beautiful handcrafted vases, wine decanters and candle holders all with an antique finish, and prices can be quite high, wondering why?

This is because antique Judaica is expensive but replicas sell like hot cakes all over the world. Although Judaica is made in gold, silver and bronze, copper with an inlay of precious stones, pure silver has been the most common material for the creation of Judaica. The range of religious products are usually Besamim, wine decanters, candlesticks, Etrong boxes, Hanukahs, honey dishes, jewelry, sculptures, Yad torah pointers, liquor cups, menorahs, Mezuzzot and many other items of both utility and decoration.

With a variety of religious products associated with the Jewish religion, silver can be molded to fulfill the specific requirements as it is one of the most precious metals, and has been widely used for its versatility and eye-catching look. The Judaica art has been long associated with filigree work and special technique of hammering out of designs in order to craft beautiful, intricate designs.

So what is Judaica?

Collective term given to any product, religious article or even piece of literature known to be related to the Jewish religion is known as Judaica. Pieces are always in great demand as the religion has spread its wings globally. The main center is still in Jeruselum but followers reside in all of the world’s countries. The demand is sometimes due to its scared nature, although there are some whom collect it as a hobby.

Usually the artifacts and antiques date back to between the 16th and 19th centuries, most of which are in private collections worldwide. This is highly appreciated and in great demand while such objects have been created with delicate filigree work, and are hammered out silver designs which. It is a highly skilled art-form and requires a great deal of expertise. Some of the craftsmen who create these exquisite pieces of art have been doing so for centuries, passing down the craft from one generation to the next.

Judaica can be purchased over the internet and in stores across the world. Although there are shops that claim to sell genuine silver, you should always choose those who have carved a name for themselves. Alternatively, purchase the products which have been checked by an authority on antiques or silver. Reputed vendors will always have returns policies and will usually give a satisfaction guarantee on the products sold.

Anita Satin Choudhary writes for Rokfor Fine arts collection, Rokfor has been an Asian antique collector for many years, he specializes in mammoth ivory and Japanese netsuke

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anita_Satin_Choudhary

For a complete line of silver judaica, visit ZionJudaica.com.

The story behind Hanukkah is one of a miracle. This miracle occurred a few thousand years ago during old testament times around 165 B.C.E. During this time the Jewish lived in Israel and had just won a revolt against the Syrians allowing them complete autonomy.

During the battle the temple in Jerusalem was looted but it was still intact, unfortunately they found that there wasn’t enough oil to keep their Menorah lit.

The Menorah is a candelabrum with seven branches to hold candles or with a well filled with olive oil. Some say it symbolizes the burning bush Moses saw on Mount Sinai. In the temple of Jerusalem the Menorah was supposed to be kept lit twenty four hours a day, but there was only enough oil to keep it lit for one day and it was going to take them eight days to make more oil. Nevertheless, the Jews lit the Menorah with what oil they had and worked on making more olive oil. Miraculously the Menorah stayed lit for the full eight days. Now Hanukkah is an eight day celebration of this miracle filled with nightly ceremonies, gift giving and the lighting of a new candle each day.

In recent years Hanukkah has blended somewhat with the tradition of Christmas and many families with both Christian and Jewish parents celebrate a blended holiday coyly termed, ‘Chrismukkah.’

If you are looking to celebrate Hanukkah, alone or along with Christmas, you can find there are plenty of decorations and party supplies available for the event. It’s become something of a tradition to have a small gathering either on the first night of Hanukkah or the last night. For this event you can pick up lots of Hanukkah themed plates, napkins and tablecloths and since they are paper they make for easy clean up. Although it’s traditional for just kids to get small gifts on each night of Hanukkah you can certainly expand on that to include all of your guests with some fun Hanukkah party favors.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities. Hanukkah Party Games (Hanukkah-fun.com), holiday party planning tips, trivia, history, recipes, printable activities and free coloring pages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Some celebration ideas for your class at Chanukah including sites for party planning, songs, recipes, games and more.

Try some of these party ideas and activities.

a. Bring a menorah and some brightly colored candles. Light the first one with the class.

b. Play some games with dreidels using chocolate coins. You can also have a contest to see which dreidel spins the longest.

c. Have a song-a-thon using traditional songs and teach them to the kids.

d. Kids like to cut and color. Bring in colored paper and have students make festive decorations of the menorah, dreidel and oil-jug cutouts, a menorah and a chocolate dreidel box.

e. Have kids bring latkes served with apple sauce and sour cream and doughnuts.(be sure to fry in low fat oil)

f. Have kids distribute their greeting cards to each other.

g. Play classroom Bingo on the words from the previous lessons on Chanukah.

h. Have a story round with either you or the kids.

Have fun. Feel free to leave a response and share your latest Chanukah celebrating ideas or experiences. Happy Chanukah to all of you.

Chanukah is a good reason for having a class party. Kids love to celebrate and the class is a perfect time to bring in holiday cheer. After you already pre taught them about the holiday using the former article on Chanukah and kids already did some activities on the holiday, you are ready to prepare the party. You might want to share some Chanukah recipes for potato pancakes and some quick doughnuts.

Article Source:
http://newteachersupport.suite101.com/article.cfm/chanukah_celebration_ideas