Mission Statement: To train, educate and equip for study both the Jew and the non-Jew in the rich Biblical/Hebraic Heritage.
The Third Night
Theme: GOOD DEED NIGHT
1. You will need nine Hanukkah candles and a Hanukkiah (hon- a-key-ah) ( a candle holder for each of the nine candles).
2 Light the Shammash candle. It can be found in several positions in a holder. It usually is elevated. It can be in the center as ours is pictured and some are on your far right.) Each night of Hanukkah you would say or sing the following blessings BEFORE kindling the other lights.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with Thy commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who didst perform miracles for our fathers in those days at this season.
3. Light the candle on your far right as you face the Hannukkiah.
The following passage is to be read following the lighting of the first candle and Shammash.
"We kindle these lights to commemorate the miracles and the wonders, and the victorious battles that Thou achieved for our fathers in those days, at this season, through Thy holy priests. During all the eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them but we are only to look at them, in order to give thanks and to praise Thy Name for Thy miracles, Thy wonders, and Thy salvations."
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Illustration
Day 8: (Start left & work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8
Day 7: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
Day 6: (Start left and work to the right)1-2-3-4-5-6
Day 5: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4-5
Day 4: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3-4
Day 3: (Start left and work to the right) 1-2-3
Day 2: (Start left & work to the right) 1-2
Day 1:(Light Far Right Candle) -1
4. Then light the newest candle to the left of the previous night and continuing from left to right.
5. You always light from left to right.
Many people consider the principle of the"Golden Rule" a Second (New) Testament principle, but what Yeshua was actually doing was affirming the Original (Old) Testament teaching. The Golden Rule is "Love thy neighbor as thy self" and throughout the Jewish teaching this principle abounds. Time and time again we see examples of good deeds and we would like for you to carry this into the spirit of Hanukkah. Loving others is often best expressed through giving of your time and energy.
In our studies we have found that there are three types of "good deeds". They are (1) righteous giving, (2) acts of loving kindness, and (3) repairing the world. Not everyone is called to all of these types of giving, but everyone together makes up the whole picture of "good deeds" in God's eyes. Hanukkah is a time to examine this attribute in ourselves and find our place. Many families collect money for the poor all year long in a box or jar, and they decide during Hanukkah where this money will do the most good. The act of loving kindness includes helping others less fortunate, but also include volunteerism. Many organizations are blessed by those that God has directed to help with His work. Some may stuff envelopes. Some may raise money. And some help for short terms of volunterism. During Hanukkah your family could volunteer their efforts with a non-profit group like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or one of the many human service organizations. The last type of "good deed" is best described as becoming politically active. You could help write letters to your congressman about issues that would--- repair the world. Or your family could collect aluminum cans and donate the money to a handicapped workshop. All of these are things that your family can choose to do either just during this week or all year long. The most important thing to consider though is where your heart is when you give. We borrow from Zola Levitt"s Levitt letter. Vol. 4, No., 12 "Chanukkah Prayer" the following excerpt:
Eight Levels of Giving
There are eight levels of giving, each higher than the last,
*to give grudgingly, reluctantly, or with regret;
*to give less than one should, but with grace;
*to give what one should, but only after being asked;
*to give before one is asked;
*to give without knowing who will receive it, although the recipient knows the identity of the giver;
*to give without making known one's identity;
*to give so that neither giver nor receiver knows the identity of the other;
*to help another to become self-supporting, means of a gift, a loan, or by finding employment for the one in need.
"You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord."Leviticus 19:18
"The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:34
Activity: Do a good deed or Mitzvah!
With this thought in mind-- let's discuss sharing Hanukkah with others. Adopt a grandparent! This is a project that would be a learning and a loving experience for both the family, and the grandparents that you adopt. This project requires a lot of fore thought and planning. If you know of an elderly person, neighbor, member of your church, former teacher, or a person who just needs some attention (you could contact a nursing home that could recommend a person who needs some attention)--then this may be the project for you! As happy as a family may be, it is never more gratifying then to see the benefits of sharing that happiness with someone else.
In Bible times the priests would run to be the first to serve at the Temple. It was with great joy that they served God and His people. We often times grumble and complain, don't we? We would pray that your family would adopt the attitude of joy in serving this week. Instead of "getting" your attitude should be "with joy do I serve the most precious God! Let me be first!" Some families sign a 3"X5" card that says, "For the eight days of Hanukkah, I promise to serve with joy. I will not complain, criticize or condemn anyone or anything. I promise to always look for the good in everything and to put others first."
Some families post these cards on their refrigerator and each morning they take their card down and lay it beside their place at the table. Then when they come to the table to eat their breakfast each person could pick up their card and renew their prayer before beginning their day. If someone slips and does complain, condemn or criticize during the day, just a gentle reminder may right the situation. Can you imagine everyone working on this for eight days? It makes a big difference in family unity and establishes the heart to rededicate to God.
Gift Idea
Here are some ideas for you to look over. Feel free to add to our list! We'd love to hear from you!
Send a Hanukkah card Plan on spending an hour a day helping a friend by reading to them, taking out the trash, shoveling the snow, raking the leaves, washing the dishes, cleaning out cupboards, running errands. Fix a meal and take it to them Visit with them! Maybe they will tell you stories from their past. Listen to them--they are alone and need to share, too. Make decorations for them..pictures for their refrigerator, a Hanukkiah, place mat, etc... Play games with them Read to them. Perhaps the Bible or a holiday story. Take a walk with them. But most of all--spend time with them! That is the greatest gift!
You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44
Use tonight to talk about how you can love your neighbor. Discuss praying for people, repenting for attitudes and harsh words. Discuss working out differences and making good choices in your relationships. Let this night end with prayer and giving to others.
Closing Prayer
O God, teach us to be sensitive of the feelings of our friends and neighbors. Help us to understand their failings, and grant us the humility to applaud their achievements. Forgive us for our short comings and direct us in Your ways. Give us a new heart that avoids offending others. Let us be sensitive to feelings rather rash and thoughtless. Praised are you, O Lord, for teaching us to cherish the brotherhood and unity of all humanity. Amen.
