| How to Light a Chanukah Menorah Posted: 02 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Chanukah (also spelled Hanukah or Hannukah) is the Jewish festival of lights, a joyous holiday that celebrates the miraculous burning of the ancient temple of Jerusalem's menorah for not one day, but eight days, after they ran out of oil. The central focus of Chanukah is the chanukiah, the candelabra that many refer to as a menorah (though "chanukiah" is the correct term for the Chanukah candelabra). Lighting the chanukiah is a ritual that has very specific steps which differ slightly each of the eight nights of Chanukah! EditArranging the Candles - Begin at sunset of the 24th day of the month of Kislev. Chanukah begins on the same day of the Jewish calendar each year, the 24th day of the month of Kislev. Because the Jewish and Roman calendars are different, Chanukah begins on a different day each year on the Roman calendar.[1]
- In 2018, Chanukah begins in the evening of Sunday, December 2, and ends in the evening of Monday, December 10.
- In 2019, Chanukah begins in the evening of Sunday, December 22, and ends in the evening of Monday, December 30.
- Gather your family or friends just after sunset. All Jewish holidays begin at sunset, so you should get your friends or family together with you to light the candles just after the sun sets.[2]
- The exception is Friday night, when the menorah should be lit before sunset. This is because Friday night is the start of Shabbat, or the day of rest, and lighting the menorah constitutes as work (which should not be done after Shabbat begins).
- Including friends and family in the candle lighting ritual a very important aspect of Chanukah. A large part of Judaism is sharing the miracle of Chanukah and passing the tradition onto your children. For this reason, try to include others in the candle lighting![3]
- Place the shamash in the chanukiah. On your chanukiah, you should see 9 slots for candles, with eight slots on one level and one slot elevated above the rest. This is the spot for the shamash, or the candle used to light all the other candles. Place one candle in this elevated spot.
 - Every night of Chanukah, you place and light the shamash first before the other candles.
- The word "shamash" means "attendant" in Hebrew, and its elevation away from the other candles is meant to separate it from the candles that represent each day of Chanukah. Its position also alludes to its important role of lighting the other candles.[4]
- It doesn't matter what color candles you use. Some choose traditional blue and white candles, while others prefer differently colored candles!
- An electric chanukiah is a great decoration, but it can't be used to properly fulfill the ceremony of Chanukah. You need to use a candle or oil chanukiah to fulfill the mitzvah (the commandment or good deed) of lighting the chanukiah.[5]
- The candelabra Jewish people use for Chanukah is actually a "chanukiah," which has nine branches, not a menorah, which has seven. People incorrectly call the chanukiah a menorah, but they have become accepted as the same thing. If you wish to be technically accurate, call the candelabra a chanukiah.
- Add the other candles. Every night of Chanukah, you add one more candle. On the first night of Chanukah, place a candle in the right-most slot. After the first night of Chanukah, add one candle for each night, starting from the right-most slot and going left.[6]
- For instance, on the second night of Chanukah, place the shamash candle in its slot and the candle representing the first night of Chanukah in the right-most slot. Place the candle representing the second night of Chanukah in the slot next to the previous candle (the second to the right-most slot).
- On the third night, place the candles as you did on the second night, adding a fourth candle in the slot third to the right.
EditLighting the Shamash and Saying the Blessings - Light the shamash candle. Once the sun has set (unless it's Friday), light the shamash candle using a match, lighter, or other flame source. It's very important to light the shamash first. The shamash is what you will be using to light the other candles, so you should never light the other candles before it.[7]
- On Friday night, start the candle lighting before sunset. Use long-lasting candles so that the candles burn for at least thirty minutes after the sun sets.
- Say the first blessing over the candles. Whenever candles are lit in a Jewish ceremony, a blessing is always said over the candle lighting. This is the first blessing that you will say on each night of Chanukah.[8]
- Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah. - You can sing the blessing with the traditional tune, or simply recite it. You can also say it in English if you can't pronounce the Hebrew, though you should use the Hebrew if you can.
- It's traditional to say "amen" after each blessing has been recited.
- Recite the second blessing. The second blessing thanks God for the miracle that God performed for the Jewish ancestors, and is recited every night of Chanukah after the candle lighting blessing.[9]
- Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, she'asah nisim l'avoteinu, b'yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time. - Recite the Shehecheyanu on the first night of Chanukah. If it is the first night of Chanukah, recite the Shehecheyanu after the other two blessings. The Shehecheyanu is a special blessing that is traditionally said every time you do something for the first time, or do a specific ritual for the first time in this year. Because you will be lighting the Chanukah candles for the first time this year, say this blessing on the first night, but not on the following nights of Chanukah.
- Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, shehekheyanu, v'kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season. EditLighting the Other Candles - Light the candles with the shamash. After you finish reciting the blessings, pick the shamash candle up with your dominant hand. Use the shamash to light the candle/s, going from left to right. In other words, light the newest candle first, then light the preceding candles.
- Always use the shamash to light the candles. Never use an already lit candle to light the others.
- Although you placed the candles from right to left, you always light the candles from left to right in order to acknowledge the new candle representing the new night of Chanukah before the others.
- Place the shamash candle back in its slot. After you finish lighting the candles, place the shamash candle back in its slot. You have just finished lighting your chanukiah!
- Place the chanukiah in the window. Another important part of Chanukah is placing your chanukiah in the window after you light it. Placing the chanukiah in the window is a way of proudly showing your Jewish heritage and traditions.
- A key part of the Chanukah story is the defeat of the Hellenistic forces by the ancient Jewish Maccabees. The Greeks had taken over the ancient Jewish temple and were trying to smother the Jewish religion. This is why displaying the chanukiah and expressing your Judaism is an integral part of the holiday.[10]
- Custom says to place the chanukiah in a window to the left of the door, if possible. The chanukiah belongs on the left side of a doorway, opposite the mezuzah on the right side, so that the family can be surrounded by mitzvot (commandments) as they celebrate Chanukah.[11]
- Let the candles burn themselves out. Instead of blowing out or extinguishing the candles, let them run their course. Make sure that they burn for at least a half an hour after sunset. If you have to leave the house, time it so that they burn for at least 30 minutes after you have lit them.[12]
- If it is Shabbat, use long-lasting candles and make sure that they burn for at least a half an hour after the sun sets.
- If you have to leave the house, let the candles burn for at least 30 minutes after sunset, then extinguish them for safety purposes.
- Place a plate or tray under the candles so that the wax does not drip onto the tablecloth.
- For the chanukiah to be kosher, it must have all 8 of the "regular" candles in a line at the same height, and the shamash set apart. As long as this requirement is fulfilled, the chanukiah can be decorated any way you like. Some people even make their own as a craft project.
- Eat latkes, exchange presents, and play a game of dreidel around your chanukiah!
- Keep the candles away from any articles that might catch on fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Spread a sheet of aluminum foil underneath the chanukiah so that it doesn't drip hot wax on the table.
- Supervise children lighting candles, and make sure not to put the candles within the reach of a toddler or pet who might knock them over.
EditThings You'll Need - Menorah
- Chanukah candles
- Lighter or matchbook
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations __
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Determine if You're Regular or Goofy Foot Posted: 02 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST When learning board sports like skateboarding and snowboarding, the first thing you need to figure out is your stance. There are two possible stances – regular foot and goofy foot. "Regular" doesn't mean "correct." Both stances are valid, although regular foot does tend to be more common. The easiest way to figure out your stance is to determine your dominant foot. This is very easy to do, once you learn how. EditFinding Your Natural Stance - Recognize the difference between regular and goofy. These terms refer to the two stances used in board sports.[1] Your stance is which foot is in front of the other when you're riding. Regular means to stand on the board with your left foot forward. Your right foot will be behind it, near the tail of the board.[2] Goofy is the opposite of regular – your right foot is forward and your left foot is back near the tail.[3]
- The foot you choose to put in front affects which direction you'll be facing on the board.
- For example, if a regular skater and a goofy skater were riding side by side, they'd be facing opposite directions.[4]
- Know your dominant foot. When standing on a board, you'll want your dominant foot to go in the back, since it's stronger and does most of the pushing, turning, etc. If you are right-handed, it's highly likely that your dominant foot is your right foot. This would mean your left foot goes in front and your stance is regular. This is usually how it works out, but not always.[5]
- Some people who are right foot dominant prefer riding goofy (right foot forward). Some people who are left foot dominant prefer riding regular (left foot forward). It's uncommon, but it does happen.
- Try a few simple tests to determine or confirm your dominant foot.
- Run and slide. One of the easiest and most reliable ways to determine your dominant foot is the "slide" test. Put on a thick pair of socks and find a smooth, hard-surfaced floor. Take a running start and gain a little speed. When you're ready, switch from running to sliding. Take the final stride and then land flat-footed on both feet, balancing yourself as you slide across the floor in your socks.[6]
- Usually, the foot that lands in the front will be your dominant foot on the board.[7]
- Make sure you are in a room with enough open space to perform this test properly.
- Have a friend push you from behind. Stand naturally with your feet even and close together. Ask a friend to gently push you from behind. Try your best not to anticipate the push. You'll feel like you're falling, and one of your feet will naturally try to brace your fall. The foot that you catch yourself with is usually your dominant foot.[8]
- If you don't have a friend around, you can perform the "lean" test by yourself. Stand with your feet together. Slowly lean forward.
- Keep leaning until you feel like you're going to fall. The foot you use to catch yourself is probably your dominant foot.[9]
- Be sure to perform this safely. Your partner should push you gently. Wear knee pads, just in case you aren't able to catch your fall.
- Stand at the bottom of a staircase. Have both of your feet flat on the ground and side by side. Have someone yell "go" and then start running up the stairs. The foot that lands on the bottom stair first will most likely be your dominant foot.[10] Try it a couple of times in a row to see if you react the same each time.
- You can also try this by approaching a flight of stairs at a normal walking pace. The foot you instinctively use on the first step is your dominant foot.
- Try it both ways to see which foot is more comfortable.
- Drop-kick a soccer ball. A basketball or football will work fine too. Hold the ball out in front of you with both hands. Imagine that you have to kick this ball to score a goal. Drop the ball out in front of you and then kick it. The foot that you instinctively kick with is probably your dominant foot.[11]
- Repeat the exercise a few times to see if you get the same results.
EditConfirming Your Stance - Stand on the board and have someone roll you. Have a friend stand in front of you. Get on the board and stand with one foot in front of the other. Put the foot you think is dominant in the back and the other forward. Once you're on, grab your friend's hands to steady yourself. Have them slowly roll you in the direction of your lead foot to see how it feels.[12]
- Then switch feet and try out your other foot as the lead.
- Do this several times until you're sure which stance is the most comfortable for you.
- Test how your dominant foot performs. Make sure to wear a helmet and protective gear. Find a nice, open space where you can work easily. Mount your board very carefully, putting what you think is your lead foot in its position at the back of the deck. Slowly lower your back foot to the ground. Use your back leg to push yourself forward slowly and cautiously.[13] Roll a few inches and then stop. Then try it again.
- How does it feel? Are you comfortable? Does it feel natural or awkward?
- Now switch the position of your feet and try it the other way. Does that feel more or less comfortable?
- Stick to your confirmed stance. Once you've figured out your stance, avoid switching back and forth during practice. Make that your official stance and start learning how to ride. After you've worked out your stance, the learning part can really begin because you are able to get comfortable.
- Your stance for one board sport will most likely be your dominant stance for all other board sports, such as windsurfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and so on.[14]
- If you already know your stance, it makes learning another board sport that much easier!
EditPerfecting Your Stance - Practice a stable riding stance. Start out on a level surface. Get into your dominant stance and practice pushing off. Put your front foot on the board, right behind the front bolts. Think of pushing off as taking a very slow step – lift your (dominant) pushing foot, then shift your balance to your front foot, which is still on the board. Place your pushing foot down in front of your board foot and then push back at the ground.[15]
- At first, try pushing off and lifting your back (dominant) foot into position at the back of the board. Stay there and ride out the skateboard until it stops on its own. How does your stance feel now?
- When you first start out, being on the board feels a little awkward no matter how you're standing on it. Once your stance is stable, you'll start feeling more comfortable.
- Get comfortable with pushing off.[16] After practicing your stable stance like that for a few sessions, it should start feeling a little more natural. Once you feel stable after pushing off once, carefully start putting your back foot down when you run out of speed and then pushing off again. Work your way up to ten small pushes.
- When you feel you've mastered that, add a few longer pushes to gain a little speed.
- Make sure you are pushing smoothly and with confidence. You should now feel absolutely sure about whether you are a regular or goofy foot.
- Avoid being a mongo foot. Mongo foot is when you use the front foot as dominant and then push off with it while the back foot stays on the board. This is exactly the opposite of how it should be. Your front foot should stay on the board, and your back (dominant) foot should push off. Sometimes when people are first learning, it feels more comfortable to do it the opposite way. [17]
- If you catch yourself being a mongo foot, try to break yourself of it before it becomes too habitual.
- Improper form aside, pushing mongo foot can hinder you in setting up tricks and make you less stable on your board.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Wire Wrap a Pendant Posted: 02 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Wire-wrapped jewelry is beautiful and stylish! You can wrap a stone with any color wire you like to create a custom pendant as a gift, to sell online, or to wear yourself. Select a stone to wrap and wire to wrap it. Then, get to work and you'll have your finished pendant in no time! EditForming the Base of the Pendant - Get a roll of non-tarnishing 20 gauge silver wire. This type of wire is available in the jewelry making section of a craft supply store. Purchase enough wire to cover the diameter of your item times 12.[1]
- For example, if the stone you want to wire wrap is wide, then you will need at least of wire.
- You may also use 20 or 21 gauge copper or colored wire if you prefer. 20 or 21 gauge is ideal for wrapping a pendant since it is easy to work with, but strong enough to secure the stone.[2]
- Cut 2 pieces of wire that are each 6 times the diameter of your stone. Put on a pair of goggles or safety glasses before you cut the wire.[3] Measure out a length of wire that is 6 times the diameter of your item. Then, use a pair of wire cutters to sever the wire at this point. File the ends of the wire with a metal file to remove any sharp or jagged points.[4]
- For example, if the stone is wide, then you will need 2 pieces of wire that are each long.
- Repeat to make a second piece of wire of the same exact length.
- Straighten the wire with your hands. Grasp 1 of the wires at the ends and pull them apart to straighten the length of wire as much as possible. Uncurl any spots in the wire that have gotten twisted. Then, repeat for the second piece of wire.[5]
- The wires do not need to be perfectly straight. Make them as straight as you can, but don't worry if they are slightly wavy in some spots.
- Fold the lengths of wire in half around your index finger. Line up the 2 pieces of wire so that their ends are even. Then, locate the center of the wires and use your hands to bend them at this point to fold them in half. Use your index finger to maintain some space at the center point of the wires.[6]
- This will be the opening for the chain or cord that you string your finished pendant onto.
- The wire will bend in half easily, so there is no need to use pliers to do this.
- Grasp the bent portion of the 2 lengths of wire and twist. Place your index finger into the center point of the wires. Then, use your fingers or a pair of pliers to grasp the wires about from the fold and twist to create a loop at the center of the wire. Twist 2 times to ensure that the loop is secure.[7]
- Remove your index finger from the fold after you have created the loop.
- You can do this part with your hands or with a pair of pliers.
EditSecuring the Stone with the Wires - Select a disc-shaped stone to wrap. You can wrap any type of stone, bead, or crystal you like, but items with a disc-like shape are easiest to wrap. Choose a flat stone as your first wire-wrapping project.[8]
- Your item will also be easier to wrap if it has uneven or jagged (but not sharp) edges. This will make it easier for you to anchor the wire to the outside of the stone.
- Spread out the 4 wires extending from the loop so they are equidistant. Use your fingers to separate the wires at the base of the loop you created. Arrange the wires so that each 1 is pointed in a different direction and at an equal distance from each of its neighbors.[9]
- Try to make the 4 wires look like each 1 is pointing to 1 corner of a square.
- Position the stone with the top part at the center of the 4 wires. Identify where you want the top of the pendant to be and place this end onto the center of the 4 wires. Arrange the stone or other pendant item so that the flattest edge will be facing outwards.[10]
- If your stone or other pendant item has a special feature that you want to be at the front of the necklace, then make sure to arrange it so that this will be visible.
- Bring 2 of the wires together on 1 edge of the stone and twist. Grasp 2 of the wires on 1 side of the stone—1 on the front and 1 on the back. Bring the wires against the stone on the front and back of it and then twist them 2 times to secure them along the along the side of the stone.[11]
- Keep holding the stone and wire together since the stone will still be able to slip out at this point.
- Wrap the same 2 wires across the top edge of the stone and twist. Take the same 2 wires and bring them to the center of the stone, which will be the bottom of the pendant when it is completed. Twist these wires 2 times against the edge of the stone to secure it.[12]
- The stone will be more secure at this point, but continue to keep a firm grip on it to prevent it from slipping out.
- Repeat with the other 2 wires on the opposite side of the stone. Go through the same process to secure the other side of the stone. Twist the wires 2 times against the side of the stone across from where you secured it on the opposite side, and then bring the wires to the center of the stone (bottom of the pendant) and twist them twice against that edge as well.[13]
- It is okay if the wires on 1 side of the stone are not in the exact same location as on the first side. This lack of symmetry may add interest to your pendant.
- Twist all 4 wires to secure the bottom of the pendant. After you have secured the second set of wires at the bottom of the pendant, grasp all 4 wires and twist them together 2 times. This will secure the bottom of the pendant.[14]
- Do not cut the wires after you twist them. Leave the ends to create spirals and wrap the wire around the stone additional times.
EditAdding Design Elements - Create a jag in the wire to add a zigzag design and tighten the wire. Pinch the wire with the pliers so that they are perpendicular to the stone and then rotate the pliers 180 degrees. This will create a small Z shape in the wire and it will also tighten the wire against the stone.[15]
- Repeat this as many times as you like in the wires lining the front of the stone.
- Make jags going all in the same direction or vary them if you prefer.
- To provide yourself with more wire to twist into jags, bring 1 or more of the ends extending from the bottom of the stone up and over the top of the pendant. Secure the end of the wire to the top of the pendant by twisting it around the base of the loop.[16]
- Roll a piece of wire into a coil to form a spiral design on the pendant. Use the pliers to grasp the end of 1 of the wires extending from the bottom of the pendant. Then, rotate the pliers 180 degrees to form a loop with the end of the wire. Open the pliers to release the wire, and then grasp it again from the side to flatten out the loop. Rotate the pliers in a counterclockwise direction to coil the wire around the loop. Then, release the wire, return the pliers to the starting position, and rotate the pliers again to continue coiling the wire.[17]
- Keep coiling the wire in this way until the spiral is the desired size. Then use the pliers to press the spiral of wire against the stone.
- Try making 4 coils with each of the ends of wire and grouping these along the bottom of the pendant.[18]
- Wrap a piece of wire around 2 of the wires extending from the pendant. To accent the wires themselves, take 1 of the wires and use the pliers to wrap it around 2 of the other wires. Hold the 2 pieces of wire together, and start wrapping them near the base of the pendant. Wrap the wire around the other 2 pieces like a vine until you are satisfied with the look or until you run out of wire. Then, secure the 2 ends of wire to the top of the pendant.[19]
- You may cut the excess from the 2 wires you wrapped, or use these ends to form spirals along the top edge of the stone.
- If you cut the excess, make sure to file the ends to remove any sharp or jagged points.[20]
- Attach the pendant to a chain or cord. When you are finished making your wire-wrapped stone pendant, insert the end of a chain or necklace cord (such as hemp or nylon) through the wire loop at the top of the pendant. Secure the ends of the chain around the wearer's neck, or tie the ends of the cord in a knot and slip the necklace over the wearer's head.
- Make sure that the chain or cord is the desired length for displaying your pendant.
- Ensure that the cord is long enough to fit over the wearer's head before you tie it in a knot.
EditThings You'll Need - Stone to wire-wrap
- 20 gauge silver, copper, or colored wire
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment