HAPPY CHANUKAH (HANUKKAH)

An American, Dad, Vet, Clinton Legacy Cookbook Chef, an all around good guy..LOL ^ | Dec 9 2001 | Carlo3b

[carlo3b]

". . . and May This Festival of Lights bring Blessings
upon you and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness,
for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth,
and May the Lights of Chanukah Usher in the Light of Moshiach
and a Better World for All of Humankind."

The Victory over Antiochus

More than 2000 years ago, the land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a tyrannical Syrian king. Even today, people fight wars over their gods, despite claims to value "religious tolerance." But a couple of thousand years ago, religious tolerance didn't exist at all. Religion was as good an excuse as any to oppress a people.

That's precisely what Antiochus did to the Jews: he forbade them to observe the Sabbath or study their religious text, the Torah, and he erected a statue of Zeus in their sacred temple of Jerusalem. Many Jews followed his decrees, because they had no choice; those who resisted were executed.

In 167 B.C., the Jews -- driven to desperation -- rose up against Antiochus. Mattathias, a well-respected priest, gathered together an army and put his five sons in charge. Judah and his brothers wanted a name for their battalion that would signify force and strength; "Maccabee", meaning "hammer", fit the bill. It took three years of fighting, but eventually the Maccabees drove the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem.

Naturally, the Maccabees quickly got rid of the statue of Zeus. Then they cleansed and purified the temple, and rekindled the menorah, a candelabra that symbolized God's Divine Presence. Oddly enough, although it only held enough oil to burn for a single day, the menorah burned for eight. This was the miracle.

 HANUKKAH CUSTOMS: THE MENORAH

About the Menorah
To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It's usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a "shamash" or service candle which then takes its own place at the centre of the menorah. The menorah itself is placed in a window or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by.

Lighting the Menorah
On the first night of Hanukkah, a single candle (or oil wick) is lit on the far right side of the menorah. A candle is added, from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. Ideally, the candles should be lit as soon as stars become visible in the night sky, but they can be lit late into the night. While the candles are being lit and the blessing given, the whole family and any guests gather to witness the ceremony; everyone is encouraged to participate. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight. And as they did the previous evenings, the candles will continue to shine until they burn themselves out.

The Blessing
The first blessing thanks God for the commandment to "kindle the Hanukkah lights."

Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam Asher Kidshanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'hadlik Ner Shel Hanukkah.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, by whose Mitzvot we are hallowed, who commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. 

The second blessing praises God for the miracle the candles symbolize; it's said as the candles are being lit.
  Baruch Atah Adonia Elohenu Melech Ha-olam She-asa Nissim L'votenu Bayamim Ha-hem Ba-ZmanHa-zeh.
Blessed is Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wonderous deeds for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.
On the first night of Hanukkah the "shehechiyanu" blessing is included, to signify that this is the first time the Hanukkah lights have been lit this season.
 

 Hanukkah is a "Festival of Lights" to celebrate the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrians, and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The holiday also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
 

[carlo3b]

MandelBread
"Also called Mandelbrodt. Similar to Biscotti "

• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup toasted and chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions
1 Beat eggs and 1 cup sugar together in mixer until blended, add salt and 1/4 cup oil and mix again until blended. Combine 1/4 cup flour and almonds, tossing until coated.
2 Add rest of flour mixture to egg mixture alternately with the remaining 3/4 cups oil, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in extracts and almonds until well blended.
3 Divide into eight portions and shape each into portions of 8 x 3 inch log shaped portions on lightly greased cookie sheets.
4 Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
5 Cut each log diagonally into 1/2 inch slices and place slices on their sides. Bake again at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about five minutes. Remove to wire racks and cool. May be sprinkled with sugar before baking.
Makes 6 dozen
 

[carlo3b]

EGGPLANT AND PEPPERS

• 1 large or 2 smaller eggplants, 1 ½ pounds total, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 ½ cups diced plum tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons unbleached white flour
• 3/4 cup soymilk
• 1 ½ cups grated Mozzarella-style soy "cheese"
• dash cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the diced eggplant in a colander and salt it. Let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sautee over moderate heat until it begins to turn golden. Add the eggplant and just enough water to keep the bottom of the skillet moist. Cover and cook, stirring frequently. When the eggplant is about half done, stir in the basil and cumin. Cook until the eggplant is tender, adding small amounts of water as needed while cooking to keep the skillet moist. Stir in the wheat germ and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Oil a large, shallow baking casserole and pat the eggplant mixture into it.
Rinse the skillet and heat the oil. Add the peppers and sautee over high heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown.
Lower the heat, stir in the tomatoes, and sautee for a minute or two, just until they begin to soften. Slowly sprinkle in the flour, stirring until it disappears. Then, slowly, stir in the milk and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle in the cheese, a bit at a time, followed by the cayenne. Let the mixture simmer until thickened and the cheese is completely melted. Pour over the eggplant. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes, then scoop out sections with a spatula to serve.
Makes 6 to 8 servings

[amom]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. For the lesson and the recipes.

Happy Chanukah to you too.

[carlo3b]

 BLINTZES "CHEESE" WITH BLUEBERRY SAUCE
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, and the kids go wacky for this stuff, and oh so many ways to fill'em....enjoy!

These Hanukkah desserts are appropriate to this holiday, since cheese delicacies are a typical off offering.

Sauce

• 2 cups frozen blueberries, thawed
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup light brown sugar, to taste
• dash lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Pancake batter

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 egg substitutess, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup soymilk
• 2 tablespoons safflower oil

Filling

• 1 ½ pounds soft, well-mashed tofu
• 3 tablespoons honey, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse on and off until the blueberries are coarsely chopped. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and pulse on and off a few more times. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. The filling may be done ahead of time and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine the egg substitute with the water, soymilk, and oil. Stir until well blended. Make a well in the flour and pour the wet mixture in. Stir vigorously just until smoothly combined -- don't overbeat.
Heat a 6- or 7-inch nonstick skillet. When it is hot enough to make a drop of water sizzle, drop a scant 1/4 cupful of batter in and swirl it around until it coats the skillet. Cook on both sides until golden. Remove to a plate and repeat until the batter is used up.
Combine the ingredients for the filling in a small mixing bowl. If the "cheese" seems very dry, add a bit of soy milk to give it a creamier consistency. Divide the mixture among the pancakes and fold as instructed in the accompanying illustration. Serve at room temperature, passing the sauce around for guests to spoon over their blintzes.
Makes 16 blintzes, 2 per serving

[IronJack]

Mazel Tov!

[carlo3b]

Mushroom Barley Soup
Who can say no to a wonderful hot hardy bowl of Mushroom soup??

• 2 tablespoons oil1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3/4 pound mushrooms, chopped
• 2 ounces dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water until soft and drained
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 6 cups chicken, beef or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill
• salt and pepper

Heat oil in a large pot. Cook onion, celery, and both mushrooms about eight minutes, or until very soft. Stir in barley and cook one minute. Add tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 45 minutes or until barley is tender. Stir in parsley and dill. Taste for salt and pepper and serve.

 

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Yum! All these recipes look so good!
Thank you and Happy Chanukah.

[carlo3b]

Wonderful Ginger Tortes

• 3 cups finely chopped almonds
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• grated zest of 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger
• powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350ƒF. Oil or spray a 10 inch tube pan. Combine nuts with 1/2 cup of the sugar, flour, ground ginger and salt. Beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the remaining sugar until thick and pale, about eight minutes. Stir in the orange juice, zest and candied ginger. Fold nut mixture into yolk mixture with a spatula. In a large bowl beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Fold whites into yolk batter and pour into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool in pan, then invert onto serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar.
serves 12

[carlo3b]

DIET ALERT>>>>Lady GOP, please change channel, NOW!!!!!   LOLOLOLOL

The World's GREATEST PARTY EGGNOG...Urp!

Ingredients

• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 lb. sugar superfine
• 1/2 qt. brandy
• 1/2 qt. rum Meyers dark
• 1/2 qt. vodka or flavored brandy
• 1 qt. cream light
• 1/2 gal. ice cream vanilla
• 3 qt. whipped cream
• nutmeg
• cinnamon ground

Preparation
Crack and whip eggs and superfine bar sugar together until sugar is dissolved. Add booze. Mix well.
Add light cream. Break up ice-cream small and add 1/2 ice-cream and 1/2 whipped cream and stir in well. Float remaining ice-cream and whipped cream on top. Grate fresh nutmeg and cinnamon over top lightly. Serve with butter cookies.
Whipped Cream
Chill bowl and beater. Whip 1 qt heavy cream till tracks show. Add 4 oz sifted 10x sugar. Add 1/2 oz Virginia DareVanilla. Continue beating, add Gran Marnier slowly while beating if you are adding it. Whip to medium soft peaks. Makes the 3 qt's required.
Chocolate Version
Use Double dark chocolate ice-cream. Add 6-8 oz (about a cup) of Gran Marnier to the whipped cream with the vanilla slowly. Or add a pint of Gran Marnier or Sabra Orange Chocolate liqueur instead of the vodka. Garnish with chocolate curls or grated dark chocolate.

[carlo3b]

Stay safe and warm...HAPPY CHANUKAH

[carlo3b]

Let there be Peace on Earth....HAPPY CHANUKAH

[carlo3b]

Happy Homes, Happy Families, HAPPY CHANUKAH

[carlo3b]

Bake Fresh Bread and bring warm smiles....HAPPY CHANUKAH....LOLOL

[veronica]

This should work::

[carlo3b]

..and Mazel Tov back atcha Jack...HAPPY CHANUKAH

[Fiddlstix]

Click the Pic J

[Texas Yellow Rose]

	From:  http://www.tckillian.com:8080/greg/chanukah.html#_Toc468019409 (40 page document) What is Chanukah? Chanukah is an observance commemorating the rededication (164 BC) of the Second Temple of Jerusalem after its desecration three years earlier by order of Antiochus IV Epiphanes; the Syrian king was thus frustrated in his attempt to extirpate the Jewish faith. Though modern Israel tends to emphasize the military victory of Judas Maccabeus, the distinctive rite of lighting the menorah also recalls the Talmud story of how the small supply of non-desecrated oil, enough for one day, miraculously burned in the Temple for eight full days until new oil could be obtained. Beginning on Kislev 25 (Kislev 25 generally falls in December), Chanukah is celebrated for eight days. During this time, in addition to the lighting of the candles, gifts are exchanged and children play holiday games. ....... Chanukah is a holiday of spiritual light; even the war against the Greeks was essentially spiritual, since it was a struggle to preserve the Torah heritage from the taint of secular influence. This is why the prayer beginning VeAl HaNissim, which expresses thanks to HaShem for the military victory, does not mention the spiritual miracle of the Menorah, for the latter eclipses it and is deserving of separate mention. ....... Events of Chanukah It is noteworthy that our Messiah, the "light of the world", was conceived on the festival of lights (Chanukah) (See link to Course of Abia below) Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, HaShem sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, To a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with HaShem. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord HaShem will give him the throne of his father David, And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of HaShem. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with HaShem." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.   In this next scripture we can see that Yeshua was called the Light of the World John 9:1-7 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?""Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of HaShem might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." >  Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.   So, on the "Feast of Lights" Yeshua brings literal light to the blind. This event precedes this biblical statement: John 10:22 Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.   We can see the relationship of Chanukah to Succoth by the statements of Yeshua. In the previous verses He was the "Light of the world" at Chanukah, In this next verse we see Him as the "Light of the World" at the end of Succoth: John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."...   Then: John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."   So, The "Light of the World" gives "light" (sight) to man, on the festival of Lights. Yeshua also taught near the altar that was desecrated in: John 8:12-20 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.">  The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid." Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."  Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.   He also removes the light for judgment: John 9:39-41 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."  Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"  Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.   There is a certainty that if we do not listen to His voice, we are NOT His sheep: John 10:24-30 The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."  Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."   This story of sheep in a pen seems consistent with winter. Then our story ends with water as Yeshua returns to the Jordan where many believe in him: John 10:40-42 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true." And in that place many believed in Jesus.   We also have a verse, which indicates that we, too, are to be the light of the world: Matthew 5:13-19 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.   Here it is very plain that even as the Chanukah light does not represent light in the plain sense, but, rather light is the sense of wisdom, knowledge, and truth, so too is our light! This is also illustrated in one other place: Ephesians 5:1-14 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.   But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) And find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."   This may explain why there is more wickedness at night, for we remember that the "lesser" light governs the night Genesis 1:16 God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.   Here we have another link between Chanukah and Succoth. The Temple that Solomon built was dedicated on Succoth. Remember that the Maccabees re-dedicated the altar on Chanukah: II Chronicles 7:8-10 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him--a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things HaShem had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.   .... December 23 (24 kislev, 3241) 519 BCE Supported by Haggai and Zechariah, the Second Temple foundations are laid during the second year of Darius' reign. The building would take 4 years. December 24 (25 kislev 3595) 165 BCE This is the first of the 8 days of Hanukkah, celebrating the victory of the Hashmonaim under Mattyahu against the Selucid Greeks. The victory was both physical in terms or regaining independence and spiritual against the Helenizaion of Judaism. Kislev 25th     Death of Abel - Bereishit Rabbah (chap. 22) (might have been Sivan 6)     The construction of the Tabernacle is complete. Numbers Rabbah 13     Antiochus Epiphanes offers a pig to Zeus on the altar of Temple in 168 BCE.     Chanukah (Feast of Dedication / Light) First day. (25th - Tevet 3).     Day 38 of HaShem's rain in Noah's day. Genesis 7:4     Issachar is conceived. Bnei Issachar     Mary gets pregnant with Yeshua. Luke 1:26     Mary visits Elizabeth. Luke 1:36-40     Yeshua gives sight to the blind. John chapters 8-10     Yeshua is the light of the world. John 8:12     Yeshua celebrates while Pharisees try to kill Him. John 10:22-33        Maccabees light the ner tamid.  READ ABOUT THE COURSE OF ABIA ON MY PROFILE PAGE.
Visit: Freeper Tips and Helps for posting photos, links and other HTML goodies. You can also bookmark the thread at:  http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/562247/posts Please visit my Profile for a Christmas Greeting!

[veronica]

Thanks!