Chanukah Videos

What is the story behind this popular Jewish holiday? Watch this short 3-minute video to learn how good overcame evil, light won over darkness, and miracles triumphed over morass.

We know the facts on why we celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. But is that all? Could it be that the inner meaning of the holiday has been hidden from plain sight?

Simple-to-follow instructions on how to do the mitzvah of lighting the menorah on Chanukah.

Let's bust some urban legends about this wintertime holiday.

Watch talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Chanukah and vintage footage of the Rebbe participating in Chanukah rallies.

On the 24th of Kislev (according to most views) the Maccabees succeeded in expelling the occupying Greek army. On the 25th of Kislev the Jews discovered the pure cruse of oil. On the 26th of Kislev the miracle of the oil lasting beyond one day became manifest. This class will explain the spiritual and personal significance of these events. (Maamor V'Atoh B'rachamecho 5748)

Explore the inner meaning of Chanukah and the mystical dimension of the Maccabees and the different characters in the Chanukah story from Matisyahu the High Priest to the heroine Yehudis.

The dreidel teaches us how to break out of preconceived notions in how we view our world, ourselves, and others.

Why the Talmudic sages chose to omit the miraculous military victory from the Chanukah celebration.

Discover the importance of the menorah and how, when and where to light it.

A morning sun rises in fiery splendor; a newborn baby enters the world. We witness miracles everyday and may sometimes take them for granted.

With the aid of a 3D molecular printer, Ari may have replicated the original Chanukah miracle. Or has he? Just how paradoxical is this miracle?

Just another country song about a regular Jewish guy who meets up with four rabbis in their menorah-mobile.

The Tzlil V’zemer Children’s Choir presents a favorite Chanukah song, “Oh Chanukah.”

The story behind a precious picture of the Chanukah lights that became a symbol of defiance and resolve.

Ezy, Eli, Dina and Rina explore their inner “super powers” to spread light in the world.

A little light chases away a lot of darkness.

History and facts on Chanukah with Ezi.

Watch our Jewish crafting guru, Abbey, demonstrate how to create a menorah masterpiece using baby food jars.

Join Abbey in decorating an apron or T-shirt using a technique from the pros!

Jono enters a donut eating contest, Gefilte Fish orders two thousand plastic dreidels from China and Rabbi Kadoozy gets a permit for a menorah lighting.

Rabbi Kadoozy works on finding a way out of prison, Jono trains for his donut eating contest, and Gefilte Fish tries to sell his exploding dreidels to the government.

The action packed conclusion of the Itche Kadoozy Show Chanukah Mini-Series! Hilarity Ensues.

Jono sings a song about his favorite Chanukah tradition.

A rabbi, a college student, and a gefilte fish share their feelings about chanukah.

Rabbi Kadoozy and friends are ready for the menorah lighting. But when Jono decides to become a super hero, they may be in for the funniest Chanukah ever...

The story of the stubborn little flame that refused to be extinguished. And the story of you and I . . .

A brief review of the story and practices of the festival of Chanukah

Too cute for words. Watch a group of 5 year-olds re-enact this drama of struggle and redemption, the story of Chanukah.

What do the Chanukah lights say to you?

Traditional potato latkes are essential for every Chanukah party. You’ll love Jamie’s easy and delicious recipe.

Join Eli as he prepares some Chanukah favorites with his Bubby

Live coverage of the breaking news story of Chanukah as it unfolds minute by minute.

A group of children receive instructions on making potato-latkes. If you've always wanted to learn about this noble tradition but were ashamed to ask... here's your chance!

In the Temple, more than 2,000 years ago, the Menorah was lit with wicks in olive oil. Today too, many Jews light their Chanukah Menorahs using pure olive oil.

Buckle up for a Chanukah celebration in... Space Shuttle Discovery! Astronaut Jeff Hoffman hosts the celebration courtesy of NASA.

It was the phrase that kept our hopes alive during history's harshest times...

Thoughts on our generation’s desire for life-affirming messages of Jewish pride and heroism.

When it's dark, light a candle...

Inspirational speaker, Charlie Harary, shares his personal take on one of the lessons to be learned from the story of Chanukah.

Thousands of Jewish homes around the globe kindle the Menorah with wax Chanukah candles. Visit a factory in Israel that's been making these candles for generations.

Experience the story of Chanukah as it comes alive in this real life presentation. This production from the Jewish Children’s Museum was performed live on Chanukah in 2006.

Join Benny and Zaidy for the thrilling adventure of the Chanukah story! Go back to a time of danger, drama and triumph! Laugh, thrill and cheer as the adventure of Chanukah unfolds in this animated production.

From Paris to Buenos Aires, Cairo to California, Madrid to Moscow, public Menorahs light up cities and towns around the globe. Visit 30 of these Menorahs.

This Chanukah rap tune is all about yes, you too can be a Macabbee! Be strong and joyful... and share the light and the love!

For eight days the world glows a little bit brighter as giant outdoor Menorahs light up the night sky.

How rabbinical commandments -- like lighting the Chanukah menorah -- derive their power from the Biblical injunction (Deuteronomy 17:11) "According to the law they [the Sages] instruct you... you shall not divert... either right or left."

The school of Hillel says that the very best way (mehardin min hamehadrin) of lighting the menorah is to add one more candle each night. The Talmud gives two reasons for this approach: a) because of the dictum that we increase in matters of holiness and b) to make it readily obvious which night of Chanukah it is. Will there be a practical difference between these two reasons? A difference in rulings between Maimonides and Tosafos is considered.

The name Chanukah itself contains many hints to the deeper meaning of the festival.

The Jews' devotion to maintaining their spiritual freedom can only be described as supernatural. What gives us this miraculous strength?

The House of Shammai says: “On the first day of Chanukah, one lights eight lights; from here on, one progressively decreases.” The House of Hillel says: “On the first day, one lights a single light; from here on, one progressively increases.” (Talmud, Shabbat 21b)

The first letter of the word Chanukah is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet "chet." What secrets are contained within the shape and numerical value of the letter "chet" that can teach us about the meaning of Chanukah?

Among the early Talmudic commentaries, there are two opinions about the chronology of events commemorated on Chanukah. One says that the war was won on the 24th of Kislev and that the first day of Chanukah, the 25th of Kislev, is the anniversary of the first day of peace. The other says that on one day, the 25th of Kislev, the Maccabees both won the war and rededicated the Temple.

Watch as amazing Chanukah-themed sand animation is performed before the camera.

With help from Professor Pellah, the members of "The Terrific Teenage Mitzvah Mission Force," get together to let the world know about the holiday of Chanukah. (Produced for Tzivos Hashem in 1994 by the creators of Shalom Sesame.)

Joey and his friends fly around the world, spotting Chanukah menorahs everywhere they go!

Watch children host a Chanukah celebration and a grand dreidel game especially for kids!

Based upon a true story, this short film shows how we may never know the far reaching effects of a small act of kindness and that by spreading the light of Chanukah we can light up a persons life. Directed and filmed by Mendel Katz.

The Scroll of Antiochus is an account of the Chanukah story written originally in Aramaic. What can we learn about Chanukah by comparing the Scroll of Antiochus to the Purim story written in the Scroll of Esther?

Toward the end of the Second Temple Era, the influence of Hellenistic values became a threat to Jewish existence.

Why do we celebrate Chanukah for eight days? Why does the Chanukah menorah have eight candles?

There are two views as to when the Jews completely defeated the Greeks. One view maintains that it was on the 25th of Kislev – the day that Chanukah begins. The other view posits that the final victory occurred the day prior and the Chanukah celebration marks the first day of actual freedom. This class will explore both opinions and reveal their timely message. (Toras Menachem, Chanukah 5748)

Watch these kids re-enact the story of Chanukah in 5 minutes! (Performed by students at the Orlando Jewish Day School and the Chai Preschool)

Playing dreidel (spinning top) is a popular Chanukah custom. Discover layers of meaning in this fun tradition.

How to light the menorah.

This three-part Talmud series will be exploring the second chapter of tractate Shabbat, analyzing the nature of the miracle of the “jug of oil” and the Talmudic debate on the precise amount of candles required to be lit each of the eight days of Chanukah.

The Talmud in Tractate Shabbat at the end of page 21, folio 1, transitions into a fascinating discussion on the topic of lighting the Chanukah menorah. Study the rich text of Talmud with Rabbi Kaplan and discover new depths to the holiday and its traditions. In this intermediate level class you will learn to understand the unique give-and-take style of Talmudic debate and discussion.

As parents we need to ignite our children's flame of passion and ensure that their excitement for Yiddishkeit doesn't become extinguished.

If you love someone because he or she is beautiful, intelligent or kind, who do you really love? A lesson in Jewish commitment to our traditions.

This rabbi from Mexico brings the light of Chanukah deep under water together with sharks. Please note: this menorah stunt is not to fulfill the mitzvah, but merely to publicize the miracle of Chanukah to humans via the amusing video.

It wasn’t easy to be a commercial pilot and a religious Jew at the same time, but Mordechai somehow managed. He was familiar with at least one rabbi in each city on his route, and tried his best to help them out, bringing kosher supplies and even Torah scrolls to isolated congregations.

What is Chanukah really all about? Learn a deeper perspective from a Chassidic discourse

What the Greeks couldn't tolerate about the Torah, and its connection to the number eight.

There are three amazing miracles in the Chanukah story. Uncover the secret of Chanukah embedded in the mystical representation of these 3 miracles.

Discover a mystical spin on the four Hebrew letters of the dreidel that represent “a great miracle happened there” and how they allude to four different types of exile.

Discover the profound inner dimension of Chanukah and the esoteric miracle that took place during this festival. Explore the underlying progression of the dissemination of Chassidus to the theme of Chanukah, including the advent of public menorahs in our times.

The Talmud lists three options whereby one can fulfill the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles. The third - and most desirable option - is a matter of dispute between the Schools of Shamai and Hillel. This class addresses the underlying rationale of these views, revealing new insight into the Festival of Lights. (Based on Likutei Sichos volume 20 and Sefer HaSichos 5748/2)

Join the Viglers from Palm Beach, Florida as they share the joy of Judaism. In this Chanukah episode they present traditional potato latkes and its deeper meaning.

A series of four fascinating classes that illuminate the festival of Chanukah.

A short demo for lighting the Chanukah menorah.

Short thoughtful insight to enhance your Chanukah experience.

The ubiquitous observance of lighting the menorah in the best possible way (even without everyone knowing it) sheds light on the deeper celebration of Chanukah.

Watch an art video showing how to make a beautiful painting for Chanukah with a menorah, donuts and dreidels.

Learn the deeper meaning of Chanukah as explained in the teachings of Chassidus.

President Jimmy Carter inaugurates the National Menorah outside the White House on Dec. 17, 1979, during the Iran Hostage Crisis.

The popular Chanukah song: “I had a little dreidel, I made it out of clay.”

A musical performance of popular Chanukah songs by The National Menorah Orchestra and the “8th Day Band” at the National Menorah Lighting in Washington D.C.

How a wooden menorah at Philadelphia's Liberty Bell swelled into 15,000 giant menorahs around the globe.

In the prayer Haneiros Halalu recited after lighting the menorah, there are three expressions of miracles, which correspond to three types of divine intervention. We discover how the greatest miracles are not miracles at all.

Uncovering the meaning of the V’al HaNisim prayer of thanksgiving, specifically why the mention of kindling lights in the Temple courtyard? This leads to the understanding that the miracle of the war pales in comparison to the miracle of the oil.