THEMES of Featured Laws & Customs

All human history rotates around the axis of the Messianic Era.

From the teachings of Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech (Shapira) of Dinov

The letters on the dreidel (outside of Israel) allude to the totality of human capabilities: Gimmel represents "guf", which literally means "body", relating to the physical. Shin represents "seichel", meaning "intellect". Nun relates to the Nefesh, the emotional. And hei stands for the word "hakol" meaning "everything", embodying the totality of human aptitudes.

Seven Times Straight

A segula from the Ramban for Chanukah.

From the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov

The Ramban advises to say the verse from Psalms (90:17) after lighting the Chanukah lights, repeating each word seven times and meditating on two letter nun's.

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Intermediate

Lessons from the Dreidel

By Rabbi Bentzion Milecki

All dreidel's, both ancient and modern [outside of Israel], sport the Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin, each representing one of the four empires that attacked the Jewish people, each in a uniquely different way - and each time the Jewish people prevailed.

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Chanukah "Gelt" Through the Generations

by Rabbi Label Lam

There is a widespread custom for Jews to give money to little children on Chanukah. When one gives a gift within defined parameters, such as an appliance, the customer may be happy for a short time, but an educational opportunity has been lost - and that may be the whole point for the giving of the gift on Chanukah.