Hanukkah a Mini Guide to the Jewish Holiday

Hanukkah is a joyous, festive Jewish holiday. This year as you wish a Happy Hanukkah to others, you'll have read this blog and understand a few of the customs and symbols associated with the holiday better. 

Post updated 12/05/2025

Hanukkah spans eight nights and eight days and begins this year on the night of Sunday Dec. 14, 2025 and ends the night of December 22, 2025. 

It commemorates the Israelites/Maccabees' victories over the Greco-Syrians in regaining the ancient Temple in Jerusalem (approx. 164 BCE-142 BCE). This enabled Jews to practice our religion freely. 

Legend goes that when the ancient Jerusalem Temple was reclaimed, there was only enough oil to burn in the eternal light for one night. A miracle occurred, and the oil burned for eight days and eight nights. The custom of lighting eight candles (one a night) on the menorah is a celebration and tribute to the miracle of light and religious freedom. Perhaps that's why this holiday came to be called The Festival of Lights. 

What are traditional Hanukkah colors? Accessories, from table linens to toys and serving dishes are customarily blue and white or blue and silver colors. The most obvious explanation for this color scheme is the Israeli flag, designed by the Zionist movement in 1891 and officially adopted in 1948, is blue and white.

Hanukkah is observed differently around the world. In America, a child may receive presents, attend a Hanukkah Party, sing songs, and play a game with a dreidel ( a spinning top). In Sephardi/Spanish Jewish homes, you might see the menorah, hanging suspended at the doorpost of each house.

Eating is a big part of any Jewish holiday. One traditional food served in the U.S. is a fried potato pancake called a latke (a symbol of the oil). 

When I entertain during this holiday at my house, I prepare Vegan Potato Latkes and offer the recipe to you. You don't have to be Jewish to like them, so give it a try.

Potato Latkes (pancakes) Vegan and Gluten Free (Makes approx. 15 pancakes)

Potato Latkes and Berry Apple Sauce with Beans, Squash, and Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients: 

4 large all-purpose potatoes, peeled
1 medium yellow onion chopped fine
1 flaxseed egg: mix 1 Tablespoon whole ground flaxseed meal with 3 Tablespoons of water and let sit for at least 20 minutes before using
2 Tablespoons gluten free Matzo Meal or gluten free old fashioned ground oats
a pinch of salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil or olive oil spray

What to Do:

1. Mix up ground flaxseed meal as described above.

2. Grate potatoes with the grating blade of a food processor.

Note: If the potato mixture is left too long in the air, it will turn an unattractive gray color. Work quickly or add 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice to the mix, before you portion it out. I use organic ingredients whenever available in order to eat GMO free.

 3. Place the grated potato in a colander and press down in order to remove as much liquid as possible.

4. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together, except for the oil.

5. Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet, until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into the oil. Drop about two tablespoons of the mixture into the pan for each pancake. I use a large serving spoon to make latkes look uniform in size. Flatten pancakes with the back of the spoon so they cook evenly and are about 2-3 inches in diameter.

6. Fry pancakes at medium heat four or five minutes. Turn carefully and cook on the other side for about the same amount of time.

7. After each pancake is cooked, drain on a paper towel.

8. Top with apple sauce, fruit compote, cinnamon, or other sweet spice.

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Another custom of the holiday is to give small gifts such as golden or silver metallic paper covered chocolate coins (gelt) to each child after the blessing for the candle is chanted and the Hanukkah candle is lit each night. That means children are getting at least eight presents in all.

Susan from Organized 31 was kind enough to give me permission to use her photo and let me supply a link to her post, which illustrates blue and silver gift bags to hold these small treasures. The crochet directions come from Sara Rivka from Creative Jewish Mom. What a crafty idea and follow through.

source, Susan at Organized 31

What's the correct spelling for Hanukkah? Hanukkah is not easily transliterated into English, and accounts for why there are so many ways to spell it. Hanukkah and Chanukah are the two versions that are most widely used and accepted. 

When we gaze at or meditate about light from the Hanukkah candles, it may help us look inside ourselves more deeply. Recently, I've been reflecting on a quotation from Rabbi Naomi Levy, author of Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul.

"We are carrying God's light within us. It burns like a pilot light, always available to help us and guide us. It's our responsibility to honor and tend that light, to keep sharing it and spreading it." 

That's an important reason why I blog.

How do you shine your light in the world? Do you feel by sharing your gifts, you make the world a better place to be? 

Please comment. You're welcome to share your favorite holiday practice or tradition with my readers and me. Let the light of brotherhood and sisterhood shine.

Please put no links in your comment, as it won't be published.

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This Nov Use Purple to Inspire You

Purple is my November color, symbol of creativity and higher wisdom. Those who respond to purple may have an artistic or dramatic flair. Some wear it, because they intuitively know it balances thinking and calms hyperactivity. Purple can help you too. Use it to give you a sense of connection and to soothe your spirit.

Post Updated 10/31/2024

Gaze at the mandala below. It suggests the continuous circle of life. If you desire completion, continuity, or a new beginning, envision a purple mandala. Place a purple drawing or representation of a mandala in your home meditation area. Then, while you mediate, know that purple energy supports you in each moment as thoughts and feelings freely flow through you.

Use the Crown Chakra to Integrate Mind Body Spirit  

Lavender is a calming essential oil made from flowers that are purple. It's a traditional remedy for insomnia or restlessness at night. It also works to heal scratches, burns, headaches, and worry. 

When you have trouble falling asleep, imagine a field of Lavender flowers. Sprinkle a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow or tip of your nose. It helps you drift softly off to dreamland.

In the color spectrum, purple has the shortest wavelength and vibrates at the highest frequency. Purple paint is a blend of relaxed, cool blue with excitable, hot red. 

Purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also signifies wealth, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, independence, and magic. In some cultures, purple symbolizes mourning, decadence, and the supernatural.

Want to put more purple into daily living? Wear an Amethyst ring or bracelet to feel protected and serene. Place purple crystals in your work or home environment to feel less pressure about deadlines and reduce stress.

Place purple orchids or any purple flowering plant beside your computer, tablet, or reading area to take note of its beauty, relieve eye strain, and give you a fresh perspective. 

Put purple in your life when you are learning to integrate new skills. Use purple pencils, markers, or other drawing material to encourage your imagination to work in practical ways.

Purple is the color of the crown chakra, the energy center that supports trust, devotion, inspiration, and wisdom. Focus on the area at the top of the head and envision purple. It can help you to feel unity within yourself, with others, and with the Universe.

November is a good time for purple. The color conveys grateful energy. Think of purple's rich color before you start a project or are at a gathering. It will help you view your experiences as building blocks to greater understanding and knowledge. 

Purple is a helpful Thanksgiving color, one that reminds us to count our blessings. Perhaps its ability to inspire will motivate us to serve red cabbage, radicchio, eggplant, or purple grapes at a festive meal this season.

Red Cabbage, Japanese Eggplant, Radicchio

Before you go, take a moment to visualize your favorite shade of purple and imagine it helping you feel inspired and whole. 

Then, please comment by scrolling down below and posting your comment in the space provided. 

I'd love to know about your relationship to purple. For me, it's a unifying color that makes me feel happy, peaceful, and alive. How does purple make you feel? 

Do you wear shades of purple often and for what reasons? Did my blog post and illustrations help you in some way? Please comment below. Refrain from putting links in your comment, as it won't be published at all.

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Use Indigo and the Third Eye Chakra to Increase Intuition

Indigo, the mysterious blue color of the nighttime sky, and it is associated with the Third Eye Chakra. 

This energy center increases intuition, clear thinking, insights, wisdom, and spiritual awareness. 

Gazing at, visualizing, or meditating on an indigo object like a flower works with the conscious and subconscious mind. Color energy heals and restores vitality to places in our mind, body, and spirit that needs it.

This post has been updated 4/14/2021

Nighttime is the right time for rest and sleep. In sleep, insights and inner wisdom comes to the fore. You might want to keep a pad by your bedside to record dreams and new understandings. Record them when you wake.

Create and maintain healthy habits throughout the day, and it will improve Third Eye Chakra health. Fit exercise into your routine and spend time in sunlight to get enough vitamin D. 

Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, and eat meals that feature brain food (which is explained below), as well as refrain from eating a large meal at night.

Participate in relaxing activities starting at least 2 hours before you turn in for the night. 

Read a paperback or hardcover book, instead of looking at text from a backlit device. Tablet light is disruptive to your natural sleep rhythm. 

Nix late-night TV watching too. Many programs are stimulating rather than soothing. Light from a television screen can suppress melatonin, the sleep hormone. Try listening to music or audio books instead.

Be consistent with bedtime routines, and get to bed at an hour that will allow you to bank away at least 7 hours of sleep each night. 

Sound sleep increases the flow of chi or life force to and from this chakra. The pineal gland, located at the same level as the eyes and found in the middle of the brain, is influenced by the Third Eye Chakra. 

The pineal gland regulates melatonin production and sleep and wake cycles. Make sure your bedroom is free of electronic device. 

Close blinds, shades, or drapes to assure windows block light and your sleep area is in complete darkness. 

Total darkness stimulates healthy activity in the pineal gland and production of its associated hormones.

The Third Eye Chakra is sixth in line from the base or Root Chakra. See illustration right below.

Balance the Third Eye Chakra by following the suggestions above. Then, revisit the other chakras to realign them. See... 

Create Balance, Energy, and Strength Through the Root Chakra.

Focus on Sacral Chakra Energy to Balance Emotions, Creativity, and Sensuality.

How to Harness Solar Plexus Energy to Empower You.

What Everyone Needs to Know About the Heart Chakra.

How to Use Blue and Throat Chakra Energy to Eliminate Pain.

Anja is the Sanskrit name for the Third Eye Chakra. Its energy increases through meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices including contemplative journal writing. 

Tai chi is an excellent third eye aid, as it enhances the nervous system and stimulates parts of the brain that support healthy activity in the pineal gland.

Recite Third Eye Chakra Affirmations I've Provided for You

 or Write and Recite Your Own

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My vision is clear and perceptive.
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 I accomplish tasks effortlessly.
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I create my reality, and whatever I envision comes to pass.
💙

I am at peace in the silence of the Universe.
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My spirit vibrates with the Infinite potential of the Universe.
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I am wise, intuitive, and use third-eye power to expand vision.
💙

To nourish the third eye chakra eat brain foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Whole food plant-based sources include flax and chia seeds, olives and olive oil, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, kale, watercress, dark leafy greens, avocado, and blueberries. 

Dark chocolate, which contains omega-3 as well as caffeine, helps with mental clarity. Look forward to chocolates’ delicious taste as well as its ability to enhance your mood.

Get in the habit of eating intuitively. Often, a food craving means your body knows what nutrient it needs. Blueberries (indigo color) have a positive influence with memory and ability to learn. Berries are a fine Third Eye Chakra food, because they contain powerful antioxidants that improve cognitive thinking and reasoning. 

Some people have sensitive third eye chakra ability and are telepathic. They have highly developed empathic powers (the ability to understand and sense the feelings of another). Empaths can imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. This is a gift. 

How do you think you'd act if you could put yourself in the shoes of another, and come from that place when you relate?

A word of caution now. If you experience physical symptoms like insomnia, nightmares, vision trouble, anxiety, and headaches often, consult with your health care provider to rule out any physical causes. Then, look for an imbalance in your Third Eye Chakra. 

Wear indigo colored clothing or decorate your home or office. Use dark blue as an accent color to support Third Eye Chakra healing. 

Look for signs that your intuition is working well and you have "aha" moments often. 

If you have issues or situations you want to see with clearer vision, participate in activities that strengthen this chakra. Then, notice which confusing issues have become more understandable to you. 

Are you ready to use Third Eye Chakra Energy to help release negative thoughts and worry?

 Anja energy can draw out the wisdom that's needed, to bring healing and create a greater sense of peace in you.

Which situations or circumstances do you want to understand better, and which ones do you suspect you are powerless to change? 

Have you ever thought to gaze softly at the color indigo? It's a comforting color to me. What about you? 

Please comment in the section provided below. Share the Love on Social Media too with a link back to this post. 

Refrain from putting any links in your comments. They will not be published that way. Thanks for understanding. 💙

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