| How to Drive Manual Posted: 29 Nov 2021 08:00 AM PST The basic concepts of starting and shifting through the gears is a manageable process for just about anyone. To drive a manual, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the clutch, become comfortable with the gearstick, and practice starting, stopping, and shifting gears at various driving speeds. [Edit]Learning the Basics - Start on level ground with the car off. Especially if this is your first time driving a car with a manual transmission, start slowly and methodically. Put your seat belt on once you sit down. While learning, it can be useful to roll down the windows. This helps you hear the sound of the engine revving and to shift gears accordingly.[1]
- The pedal on the left is the clutch, the middle one is the brake, and the accelerator is on the right (remember it, from left to right, as C-B-A). This layout is the same for both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles.
- Learn what the clutch does. Before you start pushing down on this unfamiliar pedal on the left, take a moment to figure out the basics of its function.[2]
- The clutch disengages the engine from the wheels. When one or both are spinning, the clutch allows you to switch gears without grinding the teeth of each separate gear.
- Before you change gears (either to move up or down), the clutch must be depressed (pushed).
- Adjust the seat position so you can access the clutch pedal's full range of motion. Slide forward enough to allow you to press the clutch pedal (the left pedal, next to the brake pedal) fully to the floor with your left foot.[3]
- Press the clutch pedal and hold it to the floor. This would also be a good time to take note of how the travel of the clutch pedal differs from that of the brake and gas. It's also a good opportunity to get used to slowly and steadily releasing the clutch pedal.[4]
- If you've only ever driven automatic cars, it might feel awkward to use your left foot to push a pedal. With practice, you'll get used to using both feet in concert.
- Move the gearstick into neutral. This is the middle position that feels free when moved from side to side. The vehicle is considered out of gear when:[5]
- The gearstick is in the neutral position, and/or
- The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
- Don't try to use the gearstick without having the clutch pedal depressed, because it simply won't work.
- Start the engine with the key in the ignition, making sure the gear stick is still in neutral. Make sure the handbrake is on before starting the car, especially if you are a novice.[6]
- Some cars will start up in neutral without the clutch depressed, but some newer cars will not.
- Remove your foot from the clutch pedal with the car still in neutral. If you're on level ground, you should remain stationary; you'll start rolling if you're on a hill. If you're ready to move on to actually driving, make sure to release the handbrake (if it's engaged) before you drive off.[7]
[Edit]Moving Forward in First Gear - Press the clutch to the floor and move the gearstick into first gear. It should be the upper-left position, and there should be some kind of visual layout of the gear pattern on top of the gearstick.[8]
- Gear patterns can vary, so take some time beforehand to study your car's gear layout. You may want to practice shifting through the various gears with the engine switched off (and the clutch engaged).
- Slowly lift your foot up from the clutch pedal. Continue until you hear the engine speed begin to drop, then push it back in. Repeat this several times until you can instantly recognize the sound. This is the friction point.[9]
- When you're shifting gears to start or keep moving, this is the point at which you'll want to have the accelerator depressed enough to provide power.
- Let up on the clutch while pushing down on the accelerator. In order to get moving, lift your left foot up from the clutch pedal until the RPMs drop slightly. At the same instant, apply light pressure to the accelerator with your right foot. Balance the light downward pressure on the accelerator with slowly releasing pressure on the clutch pedal. You will probably have to do this several times to find the right combination of up and down pressure.[10]
- Another way of doing it; is to release the clutch until the point the engine revs down a little, and then applying pressure on the accelerator as the clutch engages. At this point the car will start to move. It is best to have the engine rev just enough to prevent stalling as the clutch pedal is let up. This process may be a little difficult at first because you are new to the extra pedal in a manual car.
- Release the clutch fully (that is, slowly remove your foot from the pedal) once you start moving forward under control in first gear.
- Expect to stall at least a few times when you're first starting out. If you release the clutch too quickly the engine will stall. If the engine sounds like it is going to stall, hold the clutch where it is or push down a bit further. If you do stall, depress the clutch fully, apply the handbrake, put the car in neutral, switch the engine off and restart the car as normal. Don't panic.[11]
- Revving the engine while the clutch is between fully up and fully depressed will wear out the clutch parts prematurely, resulting in slippage or smoking of the clutch parts at the transmission. This is called riding the clutch and should be avoided.
[Edit]Shifting in Motion and Stopping - Recognize when it's time to shift up to a higher gear. When your RPM reaches about 2500 to 3000 while the car is in motion, it is time to shift to the next gear — for example, second gear if you are currently in first. The actual RPMs at which shifting is required will vary by the car you are driving, however. Your engine will begin to race and speed up, and you must learn to recognize this noise.[12]
- Depress the clutch pedal until it disengages and guide the gearstick straight down from first gear into the bottom-left position (which is second gear in most configurations).
- Some cars have a "Shift Light" or indications on the tachometer that will tell you when you need to shift, so you don't rev the engine too fast.
- Push down on the accelerator very slightly and slowly release the clutch pedal. Shifting gears in motion is the same as shifting into first from a stationary position. It's all about listening, looking, and feeling for the engine's cues and getting the up-and-down timing of your feet on the pedals correct. Keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it.[13]
- Once in gear and on the accelerator, you should completely remove your foot from the clutch pedal. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal is a bad habit, as it applies pressure to the clutch mechanism — and the increased pressure will cause the clutch to wear out prematurely.
- Shift down into a lower gear as you slow down. If you are going too slow for the current gear you're in, your car will shudder as if it's about to stall. To shift down gears while in motion, follow the same process of depressing the clutch and releasing the accelerator, shifting gears (say, from third to second), and letting off the clutch while depressing the accelerator.[14]
- Come to a complete stop. To come to a stop in a fully controlled manner, shift down gradually until you reach first gear. When it's time to come to a complete stop, move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal and press down as much as is required. As you slow to about , the car will be on the verge of shaking and vibrating. Press the clutch pedal fully down and move the gearstick into neutral to prevent stalling the car. Use the brake pedal to stop completely.[15]
- You can also stop while in any gear by depressing the clutch fully and using the brake while shifting into neutral. This should only be done when you need to stop quickly, though, as it puts you in less control of the vehicle.
[Edit]Practicing and Troubleshooting - Practice on an easy course with an experienced manual driver. While you can legally practice alone on any public road with a valid driver's license, you will pick up the nuances of driving a manual car faster if you have an experienced driver accompanying you. Start off in a flat, isolated area like a large (and empty) car park, then move on to quiet suburban streets. Drive around the same circuit repeatedly until you start to remember the various skills involved.[16]
- Avoid stopping and starting on steep hills initially. When you're new to driving a manual, plan routes that avoid traffic lights at the top of steep hills. Your timing and coordination in working the gear stick, clutch, brake, and accelerator needs to be fairly sharp in order to avoid drifting backwards when you shift into first gear.[17]
- You need to be able to quickly (but smoothly) move your right foot from releasing the brake to depressing the accelerator, while at the same time letting out the clutch. You can use the parking brake to limit backward drifting if necessary, but always remember to disengage it as you start moving forward.
- Learn parking procedures, especially on hills. Unlike automatics, manual transmission cars don't have a "park" gear. But, simply putting the car in neutral opens the possibility of your car rolling freely, especially if parked on an incline or decline. Always use the handbrake, but don't rely on it alone to keep your car in place whilst parked.[18]
- If you are parked facing uphill, shut the car off in neutral, then shift into first gear and apply the parking brake. If facing downhill, do the same but shift into reverse. This will prevent the wheels from rolling in the direction of the slope.
- On extreme inclines, or simply to be extra cautious, you can also place chocks (angled blocks) behind your wheels to prevent movement.
- Stop completely before changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Making a complete stop when changing directions is an easy way to reduce your likelihood of causing expensive damage to your gearbox.[19]
- It is strongly recommended to stop completely before going from reverse to first gear. However, it is possible on most manual transmissions to shift into first or possibly second when the car is moving backwards at a slow speed, but it is not recommended as this can cause excessive wear on the clutch.
- In some cars, reverse gear has a lock out mechanism to prevent you for engaging it accidentally. Before using the reverse gear, make sure you know about this locking mechanism and how to disengage it before selecting reverse.
- If you are having difficulty starting the car from a stop, make sure that you are slowly letting off the clutch. Pause at the friction point (the part where the engine starts to move the car) and continue slowly pulling the clutch out.
- Learn to recognize the sounds of your engine; you should eventually be able to tell when to change gears without relying on the rev counter.
- If your car seems like it is going to stall, or the engine is sputtering, then push in the clutch again, wait for the engine to return to idle, and repeat the steps to starting off.
- Practice until you can change gears without looking at the gearstick. That way you can keep your eyes on the road and focus on what is ahead of you. Initially, you feel inclined to look at the gearstick, but you will need to resist the temptations.
- If you are having trouble mastering clutch control, press down on the clutch, engage first gear (with the handbrake engaged), slowly release the clutch and apply the accelerator. You will feel the car moving a bit, then let down the handbrake and the car will move freely.
- When you want to go over a bump, you hold down your clutch and press your brake slightly to slow down and later release the clutch gradually and apply the accelerator gradually to move.
- If there is no gear positions marked on the gear stick, make sure to ask someone who is familiar with the vehicle how the gears are arranged. The last thing you want is to back into something (or someone) when you think you've shifted into first gear.
- These other descriptions mean the same thing as "manual transmission"--"stick shift", "standard", "manual " or simply, "stick".
- Cars with a manual gearbox are better for highway than urban driving because of the extra attention needed for shifting gears in a city environment. A car with an automatic gearbox is usually a better choice for the urban driver, but every driver has their own personal preference. Some like a manual because they feel more in control, and some like it because of the better fuel economy (although Continuously Variable Transmission [CVT], a type of automatic transmission, has better fuel economy than manual transmission). Others prefer automatics for their simplicity; as many motorists say all they have to do is concentrate on their road positioning, and that their knees don't get sore waiting in traffic.
- During sub-freezing temperatures, it is not advisable to leave a car for a long time with the handbrake engaged. Moisture will freeze and the handbrake might not disengage.
- Resting your foot on the clutch or brake pedal is a bad, costly habit. It results in premature wear, loss of power and lowers fuel economy. Your foot should only be on the clutch pedal and FULLY depressed when you wish to change gears or if you need to quickly remove power from the drive wheels (ie: when in a skid on slippery surfaces such as gravel, ice, etc.). The clutch pedal should only be gradually released when starting out from a stop.
- Never "balance" foot pressure on both the accelerator pedal and clutch pedal at the same time in order to keep the vehicle from rolling backward when stopped on an incline. Instead, fully depress the clutch pedal and apply sufficient pressure on the brake pedal to hold the vehicle in place. Shift into 1st gear to be ready to start from a stop on an incline, as described in the steps above.
- If you are having difficulty finding the biting point of the clutch when moving off. Depress the accelerator first then slowly release the clutch to biting point. The car will move without you aiming for perfect clutch position. Add more gas when going uphill.
[Edit]Warnings - Keep an eye on the tachometer until you are comfortable with driving a manual. A manual transmission requires more experience than an automatic. Over rev the engine, and severe damage to the engine may result.
- Stop completely before shifting into reverse no matter which direction the car is rolling. Shifting into reverse while the car is in motion will damage most manual gearboxes.
- Try to watch if you are on a hill or a steep area. You can roll back and hit the person or object behind you if you are not holding in the brake and the clutch.
- When you have stalled and restarted the engine many times over, try to give the starter and battery a break of five to ten minutes. This can help to avoid overheating and damage to the starter and discharging the battery completely.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Write a Cover Letter Posted: 29 Nov 2021 12:00 AM PST Cover letters. As much as they require more work, cover letters are a great opportunity to cover qualifications we can't fully explain in our resumes. In addition, they help personalize job applicants to enable them to come across more as real people to potential employers. If you throw together a cover letter in the hopes that nobody will actually read it, you might be missing a chance to land the job. To take advantage of a cover letter's full potential, follow these steps below. You'll find advice on formatting, reviewing, and researching cover letters. You will also find links to three free samples, which you can copy and adapt to your own personal cover letter. [Edit]Sample Cover Letters Here are some well-written sample letters you can copy and use as a starting point. [Edit]Write an Email Cover Letter - Include a salutation. There are a number of cover letters to choose from. And, the greeting you choose will depend on how much information you have about the company.
- Write the first paragraph of your letter. This is where you will mention the job for which you're applying and how you found the job listing. It only needs to be 1 to 2 sentences in length.
- Write the body paragraphs of your letter. Most cover letters will only have 1 or 2 body paragraphs. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a great deal of their time.
- Write the final paragraph of your letter. This will be where you wrap up and discuss how you will proceed with the application. Your final paragraph is your chance to sum up your letter, emphasizing why you'd be great in this position. You'll also talk about how you'll proceed with your application before thanking the manager for their time and signing off.
- End your cover letter with a respectful closing statement.
"Best" or "Sincerely" are both classic options. Also, since you won't be able to sign your email, finish the letter by typing your full name.
[Edit]Write a Paper Cover Letter - Add a letterhead at the top of the letter. Your letterhead should include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. You can align your letterhead along the left hand margin or place it horizontally across the top of the page with a separating line—a good option if you want it to take up less space.
- Write the recipient's name, address, and the date below the letterhead. It doesn't matter whether you put the date first or last, or how many blank lines you include between them, as long as it looks professional.
- From here on out, use 12-point Arial or Times New Roman throughout the entire letter, set your margins to one inch, and use single spacing. Be sure your font is black, and if you're printing your letter out, use standard-sized paper (8 1/2" by 11").
- Address the recipient. Be sure to refer to the recipient by his or her proper title (Mrs., Mr., Dr., etc.). If you're not sure who the recipient is, write, "To Whom It May Concern:" or "Dear Sir or Madam"; however, it is always best to address a cover letter to a real person to make it look like you're not sending form letters.
- State your purpose in the first paragraph. Tell the employer why you are writing to them in two or three sentences. State the position for which you are applying (or the one you would like to have should it become available).[1]
- You don't necessarily need to include how you became aware of the position unless it was through a mutual contact or recruiting program—in which case you should make the most of the connection.
- If you are writing a letter of interest (also known as a prospecting or inquiry letter) in which you are asking about positions that might be available, specify why you are interested in working for the employer.
- Outline your qualifications in the middle paragraph(s). Make sure to match them to the requirements of the position. If you are writing to inquire about open positions, tell the employer how you can contribute to their bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal. To do this, use what you have researched about the employer's background and history.
- Include a positive statement or question in the final paragraph that will motivate the employer to contact you. Make this closing paragraph
between two and four sentences. Direct the employer to your enclosed resume and make sure you specify that you're available for an interview. Finish off by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration, and welcome them to get in touch with you to continue the conversation. - Write an appropriate closing. It's a good idea to thank the reader for his or her time. After that, write "Sincerely," "Respectfully," or "Regards," leave several spaces, and print your name.[2]
- Add your signature. If you will be submitting your cover letter digitally, it's a good idea to scan and add your signature, write it in with a digital writing pad, or make a digital signature stamp with appropriate software.
- Make a notation of the enclosures. If you enclose something, such as a resume, with a letter, you should indicate that the letter contains enclosures by making the notation "Enclosure" or "Enclosures" at the bottom of the letter.
[Edit]Review Your Cover Letter - Spell-check and proofread. If you have a spell-check feature, use it. Some programs, such as Microsoft Word, also include a grammar check that you should use. Proofread your letter yourself.
- Read your letter aloud to hear how it reads. Do not rely on the spelling and grammar checks to catch mistakes.
Consider asking a friend, or even two, to proofread your letter as well. If no one is available to help, another good strategy is to spend some time away from your final draft (a few hours or even a whole day) so that you can return to it with a fresh perspective.
[Edit]Checklist for Preparing Your Cover Letter - Double-check some of the most-overlooked basics before you do anything. While misspelling or misidentifying the name of the company you're applying to isn't the end of the world, it's not exactly starting off on the right foot. Double-check the following:
- The complete name of the company to which you are applying for a job
- The name of the person to whom you are addressing the cover letter
- The address of the person to whom you are sending the letter
- The title of the job for which you are applying and/or its reference number, if it exists
- Ask yourself what skills do you possess that you are not using enough in your current role. Would the ideal candidate for this new role be required to make more use of those types of skills? What opportunities are missing in your current role? Answering these questions will help you explain why you are interested in leaving current position. For example, are you looking for:
- "room for advancement"
- "an opportunity to learn new skills"
- Hammer down your current job or educational position. This may seem like an obvious question, but knowing how to clearly define your current role is a tremendous asset. For example, you could be a:
- "graduate student in environmental science"
- "customer service professional specializing in the high-end retail market"
- Provide a general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying. For example, you could have:
- "fifteen years of excellent customer service experience"
- "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery"
- "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"
- Identify the assets can you offer to the company to which you are applying. List a few in your cover letter, such as:
- "extensive experience with start-ups"
- "demonstrated ability to solve problems"
- "refined ability to manage teams"
- What will you help the company accomplish, if given the job you desire?
- "increase its bottom line"
- "meet its goal of providing only the best in customer service"
- "expand its customer base and increase its revenue"
- Specify the type of job or level of the position you are seeking. Is it:
- "entry-level"
- "management"
- "senior level"
- Tweak your cover letter depending upon your target. If you are applying for specific jobs then make it as relevant as possible. Include the job reference number and address your cover letter directly to the company contact (if you have their name). Alternatively, if you are applying speculatively you can start with the salutation 'Dear Sirs,' and finish with 'Yours faithfully' rather than 'Sincerely'
- Consider name-dropping if you are confident that the person you know at the company you are applying to will vouch for you. Sometimes a bit of inside help does go a long way, so don't dismiss this option if it is open to you.
- Be concise. Never use two words when one will do. Always strike the word "very" and eliminate the word "that" as much as you can.
- Do not overdo the style elements. Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike and the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
- Make sure your cover letter is visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.
[Edit]Warnings - This is not your autobiography. Keep it well under a page.
- Avoid generic, empty language ("I will bring a depth of experience," or "I believe my qualifications and experience suit the demands of the position"). Be specific and concrete about what you can bring to the position.
- Be careful not to overplay your cover letter's role in the job application process. Yes, a good cover letter is important and a well-written cover letter should help entice the employer to read your resume. Even so, you should still be aware that your resume/CV is the main player, whereas the cover letter's role is a supporting one. If you get the balance wrong and place too much emphasis on the cover letter (making it too long and complex), then it could deter the employer from reading your resume.
- If you're doing a thorough job search, you will get rejected sometimes. If you're not getting rejected, you're not putting yourself out there enough. In addition, if you don't learn to see rejection as a chance to improve your approach, then you'll have a very difficult time getting a job.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Celebrate Hanukkah Posted: 28 Nov 2021 04:00 PM PST Hanukkah, a wintertime holiday in Judaism, is also known as the Jewish "festival of lights" as its focus is on lighting the eight Chanukah candles during the eight days of the festival. Although not one of the more serious holy days of the Jewish tradition, it is still traditionally celebrated with specific foods and ceremonies.[1] [Edit]Lighting the Menorah - Begin lighting the menorah at sunset or nightfall. Avoid lighting your menorah during the day since it's not per tradition.[2] Instead, wait until sunset on the first evening of Hanukkah, which is the 25th day of the month Kislev on the Jewish calendar. Wait until the sun starts setting or until after nightfall, which is typically 20–30 minutes after sunset, to light your menorah.[3]
- Wait until your family members are home to light your menorah so you can all celebrate together.
- You can light your menorah any time after sunset but no later than a half-hour before dawn.
- Place your menorah near a doorway or in front of a window. If you have the mezuzah, a scroll with portions of the Shema, on a doorpost, then set your menorah on a small table or chair near the opposite side of the doorway. Keep your menorah on a metal or ceramic tray to protect your table. Otherwise, you can set your menorah in a windowsill facing the street so others can see the lights at night.[4]
- Be careful not to put your menorah within of curtains or other flammable material.
- Set your first candle in the far right space. You can place the candle in your menorah at any time during the day, but wait until the evening to light it. Choose a candle that's large enough to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. On the first night of Hanukkah, take one of your candles and place it in the rightmost slot on your menorah. Don't fill any of the other slots yet since you'll add more candles later on.[5]
- You can buy candles specifically made for menorahs and Hanukkah online or in big box stores. Standard menorah candles usually burn for 30 minutes.
- You can also use oil lamps instead of candles.
- While electric menorahs make great decorations around your home, it's tradition to light a candle or oil lamp menorah during Hanukkah.
- Light the shamash candle. The shamash candle, also known as the "servant" candle, is separate from the other Hanukkah candles and used to kindle the others. Wait until you and everyone in your home are gathered around the menorah. Use a lighter or match to start the shamash candle and hold it in your dominant hand.[6]
- Always light the other candles on your menorah with the shamash candle rather than using a match or lighter.
- Recite the menorah blessings. While the shamash candle burns, stand next to your menorah and say the blessings out loud. You only need to recite the blessings if you're the one lighting the menorah. On the first night, there are 3 blessings you'll say to thank God for the Hanukkah miracles. On each of the remaining nights of Hanukkah, you only need to recite the first 2 blessings.[7]
- The first blessing is: Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.)
- The second blessing is: Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh. (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.)
- The third blessing is: Baruch atah adonai elohenu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu lazman hazeh. (Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)
- Use the shamash candle to light the other candle. Once you recite all of the blessings, hold the flame of your shamash candle against the wick of the candle in your menorah. Wait until the wick catches on fire before pulling the shamash candle away. Set the shamash candle in the slot on your menorah that's raised or in a different row than the Hanukkah candle.[8]
- Keep the shamash candle lit since you may use it to relight the Hanukkah candle if it goes out.
- Sing or recite the Hanerot Halalu hymn. The Hanerot Halalu hymn praises God for the Hanukkah miracles and it's a tradition for you to say it each night. If you're the one lighting the menorah, then you'll recite the hymn in Hebrew. Say or sing the following:[9]
- Hanerot halalu anachnu madlikin, Al hanissim ve'al haniflaot, Al hatshu-ot ve'al hamilchamot, She-asita la'avoteynu, Bayamim hahem, bazman hazeh, Al yedey kohanecha hak'doshim. Vechol shmonat yemey Chanukah, Hanerot halalu kodesh hem, Ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtamesh bahem, Ela lirotam bilvad, Kedai lehodot lihalel, Al nissecha veal nifleotecha, ve-al yeshuotecha.
- When you translate the Hebrew into English, it reads, "We kindle these lights to commemorate the saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through Your holy priests. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make use of them, but only to look at them, in order to offer thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations."
- Allow the candle to burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. While the candle burns, just relax with the members of your household and avoid doing any work. Leave the candles alone while they burn so they don't accidentally go out. If the candle extinguishes and it hasn't been 30 minutes since nightfall, relight it with your shamash candle. If the candle goes out afterward, you do not have to relight it and can throw it away.[10]
- You will put new candles in your menorah every day during Hanukkah.
- Add another candle in the next rightmost slot each day. On the second day of Hanukkah, place another candle in the first slot on the right. Then put a second candle in the slot immediately to the left of it. When you light your menorah, start with the candle that's furthest to the left and work toward the right side. On the following days, add 1 additional candle to the menorah. On the 8th day of Hanukkah, you'll fill every slot in the menorah.[11]
- Remember to recite the first 2 blessings each night of Hanukkah.
- Always use a new shamash candle when you light your menorah.
- Start lighting your menorah before sunset on the Friday before Shabbat. Shabbat is the day of rest and it's forbidden to light a fire after sunset on Friday through nightfall on Saturday. On Shabbat, you also need to light specific Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset. Start lighting your menorah before the Shabbat candles on Friday while the sun is still out. Use larger candles since standard Hanukkah candles won't stay lit 30 minutes after nightfall.[12]
- If a candle on your menorah goes out after sunset, don't relight it.
- On Saturday, wait to light your menorah until nightfall so you don't start a flame on Shabbat.
[Edit]Observing Hanukkah Traditions - Tell Hanukkah stories when you sit by the menorah. As you relax with your family around the menorah, you can share the story of how Hanukkah started to explain the holiday to children. You can also share personal stories or experiences you've had with family and friends during Hanukkah. While you don't have to tell stories each night of Hanukkah, it can be a great time to bond with others.[13]
- Recite the Al Hanisim liturgy during daily prayers and grace after meals. Whenever you do your silent daily prayers or say grace after a meal, say, "Al hanissim, v'al hapurkan, v'al hag'vurot v'al hat'tshuot v'al hamilchamot sh'asita lavoteinu bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh." This translates to, "We thank thee also for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds and saving acts, wrought by thee, as well as for the wars which thou didst wage for our fathers in days of old, at this season."[14]
- The Al Hanisim prayer is used to give thanks to God for his miracles.
- Spin a dreidel if you want to play a fun game. Gather as many players as you want and give everyone equal numbers of game pieces, such as chocolates, pennies, candies, or nuts. At the start of the round, have everyone put one of their items in the middle to form the pot. Take turns spinning the dreidel and wait until it falls over. Read the symbol on the face-up side and do the following:[15]
- If you spin nun, then you don't take anything from the pot.
- If the dreidel lands on gimel, then you get everything in the pot.
- If you get hey, then you take half of the pieces from the pot.
- When you land on shin, then you need to add a piece to the pot.
- If you run out of pieces, then you're out of the game.
- The person who ends the game with all of the pieces is the winner!
- Give small gifts to children each weeknight. After lighting the menorah, hand out gelt, or small gifts, to any children in your household. You can give things like candies, treats, or small amounts of money for a festive surprise. When you give the children gelt, encourage them to share or donate a small portion of it so they learn more about charity.[16]
- Hand out a larger amount on the fourth or fifth night of Hanukkah since it's tradition.
- Donate extra to charity if you're able to. If you already give money, give out a little extra each day during Hanukkah to show your appreciation and to spread charity. On the Friday during Hanukkah, give double the amount you normally would since you won't be able to donate anything on Saturday since it's Shabbat, or the day of rest.[17]
- It's okay not to give more if you're not financially able to.
- Attend a public menorah lighting if you want to spend time with others. Look online or at community event pages for Hanukkah celebrations to see if they have any public lighting events. Usually, they will light a giant menorah so it's easy for everyone to see. After the lighting, recite blessings, sing hymns, and enjoy food with one another to spread the holiday cheer.[18]
[Edit]Serving Hanukkah Food - Incorporate more oil and dairy into your meals. In the story of Hanukkah, the Maccabees found a small jug of olive oil that miraculously lasted 8 nights after taking back a temple. To honor the miracle, cook and fry foods in oil throughout Hanukkah. Dairy also honors Judith, who saved her village from Syrians with an offering of wine and cheese, so enjoy more foods with milk, cream, and cheese in remembrance of the holiday.[19]
- Any oil will work for cooking and frying.
- Fry latkes in oil for a traditional Jewish meal. Latkes are traditionally potato pancakes, but you can make them with carrots, zucchini, or anything else that fries easily. Finely grate 5 potatoes and 1 onion, and strain out any excess water. Combine the potato mixture with 3 eggs, ⅓ cup (43 g) of flour, 1 tsp (6 g) of salt, and ¼ tsp (0.6 g) of pepper. Heat of oil in a skillet and pour some of the mixture into the pan. Cook each side of your latke for 5 minutes or until it's golden brown.[20]
- This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
- Top your latkes with sour cream or cheese to incorporate dairy into your meal as well.
- Enjoy applesauce with fresh latkes for a sweet and salty dish. You can either buy applesauce from the store or make your own. Try using different varieties of apples to make the applesauce sweeter or more tart. When you eat your latkes, dip them in the applesauce to combine the flavors.[21]
- You can make applesauce earlier in the year and preserve it in jars until Hanukkah.
- Make jam-filled doughnuts covered in powdered sugar for a sweet treat. Jelly doughnuts, or sufganiyot, are traditional sweets fried in oil and stuffed with any jam of your choice. Start by making a dough with milk, sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and yeast, and kneading it until it's smooth. Let the dough rise for 2 hours before rolling it out so it's thick. Cut out rounds and let them rise until they double in size. Then fry each doughnut for 1–2 minutes per side. Use an icing bag or squeeze bottle to put the jelly inside of the doughnut once they're cool.[22]
- Coat the doughnuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon for additional sweet flavors.
- Bake challah if you want a delicious bread. Challah is a braided bread that doesn't contain any butter or milk. Make your bread dough with yeast, flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and oil and knead until it's thoroughly combined. Let the dough rise until it's doubled in size before cutting it into 3–6 equal rope-shaped pieces. Braid the pieces together and let it rise for an hour. Brush the dough with egg whites before cooking it in your oven.[23]
- You can add honey or dried fruit if you want your bread to have a sweeter flavor.[24]
- Don't forget that Hanukkah is a time for fun and enjoyment, so spend time with your friends and family to celebrate.
- Hanukkah can be spelled a number of ways, including Chanukah, Chanukkah, Chanukah, and Hannukah. All are correct, as the word is a transliteration of a word in Hebrew.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not blow the candles out unless it is absolutely necessary. The object is to let the candles burn until they are gone. Unless you are leaving the house and have no one to attend to the candles, let them go for as long as possible. If you're worried about creating a mess, use non-drip candles, or place foil underneath the Hanukkiah.
- Always watch lighted candles carefully. Do not place the Hanukkiah on a ledge, near the edge or a surface, or near anything that might catch on fire. Be sure that small children, long hair, and loose clothing stay away from the flames.
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| How to Be Down to Earth Posted: 28 Nov 2021 08:00 AM PST You want to be more down to earth. People who are considered "down to earth" tend to act humble, practical, and unassuming.[1] This is a way of being, and it is certainly something that you can cultivate. Begin by confronting your ego and looking beyond yourself. [Edit]Working on Your Habits - Consider why you want to be down to earth. Perhaps you want to change your demeanor because your behavior bothers other people. You may seek to reform your habits for the sake of peace or happiness, or to bring your life into greater balance. Perhaps you feel that you are living beyond your means, or that you can't control your feelings, or that you spend too much of your life with your head in the clouds.
- Start small. There is no one way to be "down to earth," and there is no single big change that you can make to immediately become "down to earth." It is a lifestyle, a demeanor, and a label. It is a collection of habits. Thus: if you want to be more down to earth, you'll need to start by changing your habits. Try to identify specific behaviors that do not feel "down to earth," and begin by gradually changing these behaviors.[2]
- There are many ways to be "down to earth." Ultimately, this is a quality that you want to see in yourself, and a quality that you may not find in your current way of being. Start from where you are.
- Hold yourself accountable. It can be hard to stay self-aware, especially when you are evaluating the way that you act on a day-to-day basis. Look for someone that you trust to hold you accountable – a friend, a family member, a teacher, a counselor. Speak frankly with this person about your desire to be more down to earth. Together, identify specific habits and behaviors that you can change to reach your goal. Ask the person to keep an eye on the way that you're acting, and check in with them periodically to review your progress.
[Edit]Being Down to Earth in Your Demeanor - Be humble. Do not inflate your own self-worth. Do not let your identity become wrapped up in wealth, or status, or material things. Remind yourself that other people's needs and perspectives are just as important as your own. You may be better at certain things than most people, but you may not be so good at other things. Let go of the ego, and keep perspective.[3]
- Think before you speak. Slow down and say exactly what you mean. Catch yourself when you are not being mindful of the people around you. Be straightforward and unpretentious. Try not make assumptions about people or situations, and try not to needlessly hurt anyone with your words.[4]
- Learn to express what you want without making demands. Explain yourself, when possible, and ask rather than order. Instead of saying, "Take out the trash," say "Do you mind taking out the trash so that I can keep cooking dinner?"[5]
- Look beyond yourself. Maintain personal hygiene, but seriously consider how much time you spend looking in the mirror. Think about how often you mindlessly check your phone or your Facebook account. Try to spend less energy on your social and physical appearance, and spend more energy on things beyond yourself. Volunteer your time, and go out of your way to help others. Do this until it is second nature.
- Accept people for who they are. Instead of trying to change them or criticize them: try to learn from them.[6] Focus less on how people are different, and more on how people are similar. Try to see the silver lining in every situation.
- Confront hate in your life. If there is someone that you strongly dislike, try to objectively consider why you dislike them. Think about whether they're really doing anything wrong.
- Treat everyone as a human being. There is no reason to feel inferior or superior. Try to treat people on the basis of character, not personality.
- Listen to people. Be present and attentive, and don't just wait for your chance to speak. Value someone's right to speak, even if you do not agree with what they're saying. Never turn your back on people or interrupt them while they're talking. Respect people as you would like to be respected.[7]
[Edit]Leading a Down to Earth Lifestyle - Keep the big picture in mind. Try to not to get too tangled up in the details. Remind yourself that things will work out one way or another, and that even the worst of situations will eventually pass. Don't give up on the important things, but try to recognize the details that are merely distracting you.[8]
- Lead a simple life. Separate your needs from your wants, and try to focus on the things that are truly important. Consume only what you need, and be mindful of how much waste you produce. Live within your means, whatever that means for you.
- Avoid overspending. Buy things for their practical function, not for how they look or how they will make you look.
- Simplify. Go through your possessions, and sell or donate the things that you don't use or need. Stop holding onto things just because they're "yours."
- Live in accordance with your values. Connect with the people, the places, and the causes that are important to you. Care about the planet, the future, and the people in your life. Learn to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, and think seriously about your impact.
- Be grateful for what you have. Appreciate how wonderfully lucky you are to be alive, breathing, and growing in this moment. Show your gratitude for the people who make your life worth living: friends, family, loved ones, acquaintances.
- Accept your life for what it is. Don't give up on your dreams and aspirations – but do not try to make a fantasy a reality.
- Cultivate a gratitude practice. Make a habit of thanking people and complimenting people. Every morning, write down five things for which you are grateful.
- Be patient and thoughtful. Accept the things that you cannot change, and work to thoughtfully change the things that you cannot accept. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly the way that your behavior affects the way that other people feel. Don't be afraid to wait, or to go with the flow.
- Sit and listen to music for a while. It will calm you down.
- Getting a good therapist may help you become more down to earth.
- Learn how to play a musical instrument. This can help you express yourself in beautiful ways.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't become too detached when trying to be down to earth. You still should be able to maintain connections with others.
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