Hanukkah 2012 Near Hopkins

Celebrate the Festival of Lights near Hopkins with fun events and delicious recipes.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16. According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8.  Here's a look at some of the events happening near Hopkins: For additional events happening around the Twin Cities, check out the community calendars on jewishminnesota.org or tcjewfolk.com. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough …

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

Jewish Law

How significant is Hanukkah to Jewish religion?

According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays. True or false? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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Caitlin Burgess

5:01 pm on Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thanks for the background Earl. And the answer is: True.   more ›

12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Colors of Kwanzaa

Do you know what the colors of the holiday represent?

The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the people, while red represents their struggle. What does the green stand for? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later in the day.

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

The Kwanzaa Tradition

How much do you know about one of the newest holiday celebrations?

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University-Long Beach. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in what language? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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Caitlin Burgess

12:27 pm on Sunday, December 25, 2011

The correct answer is Swahili.   more ›

Religious Persecution in Ancient Israel

Are you up on the origins of this holiday celebration?

The events that inspired Hanukkah happened during a particularily turbulent time of Jewish history. Judea, the land of Israel, was taken over by Antiochus III around 200 B.C. Antiochus III was tolerant and allowed Jews to continue practicing their faith. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent, outlawing Judaism and forcing Jews to worship what or who? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

A Festival of Lights

How well do you know your Menorah?

Hannukah is observed by the kindling of one light on the Menorah every night for eight nights. While there are eight days in the celebration, the Menorah features a ninth light—the shamash—raised in the center of the Menorah. Why does the Menorah hold a ninth light? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later Tuesday.

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Caitlin Burgess

12:44 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Will you be attending any Jewish services during the Hanukkah holiday? If so, any place in particular that people should check out if they are interested?   more ›