HAPPY HANUKKAH to you! 
And Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends at FR! :)
Posted on 12/18/2003 6:30:28 AM PST by carlo3b
HAPPY HANUKKAH ". . . 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.
You want amazement, ha! Try this Bad Boy, it'll knock your socks of.. Happy Healthy and Safe Holidays to you and yours.. :)
LowCarb Cauliflower Alfredo For those following a Low Carb diet, know that cauliflower is one of those veggies lowest in carbohydrates.
Did you know it is high in Vitamin C, a good source of folacin and an excellent source of natural potassium.Prepare Cauliflower:
- lg. Cauliflower, prepare in whole or florets
- 6 Tbs. butter
- 2/3 Cup heavy cream
- 1 Cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- ground white pepper
- dash of ground nutmeg
Wash, drain and remove outer leaves; cut and trim stems. Break cauliflower into small florets, but it can also be cooked whole.
To microwave cauliflower florets, place in microwave-safe baking dish with 1/2 cup of water. Cover with plastic wrap, cook at high (rotating the dish at half-time) for 8 to 10 minutes or until stem ends are tender. Let stand, covered, 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
To microwave whole cauliflower, clean, trim and wrap in plastic wrap. Place, sealed edges down, on microwave-safe serving dish. Cook at high for 3 minutes, turn over, and cook at high for 3 minutes more or until tender. Let stand, covered, 3 minutes before serving.Alfredo Sauce:
1) Place butter and cream in large skillet over medium-low heat.
2) Cook and stir until butter melts and mixture bubbles; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.
3) Remove from heat. Gradually stir in cheese until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4) Return briefly to heat to completely blend cheese, but do NOT let sauce bubble or cheese will become lumpy and toughBuying and Storing Cauliflower:
Select heads that are firm and tightly-flowered, with fine white or creamy white florets and fresh-looking, green leaves. A large head will weigh about three pounds and serve four.
Brown spots on a white cauliflower are most likely only water marks, but yellowish ones may indicate excessive age.Store unwrapped in refrigerator cooler for up to five days.LowCarb, copyrighted by Morelli Enterprises Inc.
LOLOLOL.. I love women with a purpose.. HUGGGGGGGGS.. :)
Will definitely try this one!
As for the rest of my family which seems to have a genetic aversion to broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, etc.
THEY CAN'T HAVE ANY!!! IT'S ONLY FOR ME!!! I WILL EAT IT ALL MYSELF!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!
HAPPY HANUKKAH to you! And Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends at FR! :)
Ohhh that sounds yummy. I'm gonna try it. :)
I think everybody can see at least some of what you talk about.. you know what I mean?.. However, there will be plenty of time to make your point after we tuck the kids into bed after New Years.. Just a thought.. Carlo Here is a healthy drink that can cool you down.. :)
LowCarb MooLess Soothin Smoothies A great refreshing Non-Dairy beverage.
Very simple directions: toss everything in the blender and mix.
- 1/2 cup frozen fruit, as peach, strawberry, pear, (or 1 cup fresh)
- 1/4 cup soft tofu
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 teaspoon Splenda
- 1 20-gram scoop (3/4 oz.) of low-carb soy powder
LowCarb, copyrighted by Morelli Enterprises Inc.
NO you are.. :)
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