Hanukkah Cards Key Terms

Learn Hanukkah cards key terms to further sales

By Kim Hill, Owner Karsun Designs

If you have a retail store or any business that sells greeting cards, you may also include Hanukkah cards. However, if you are not of the Jewish faith you may be unfamiliar with a lot of the terminology. Knowing these Hanukkah cards key terms can help you with customer questions, sales and purchasing power. By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, not only do you gain knowledge of the Jewish religion, you can tend to customers who may be at a loss in buying Hanukkah cards for friends of the Jewish faith.

Chanukah

Chanukah is another word for Hanukkah. It is easier for some to remember or pronounce because the Chanukah word is spoken in Hebrew with the letter "chet" and there is not an English equivalent. Basically, they are one and the same word with the same meaning. Stores will carry both pronunciations on cards and customers will need to know that they are the same.
Try: Holidays has an interesting article on Chanukah and what it means as a holiday.

Menorah

A menorah is a candelabra that signifies Judaism. It is made with nine candles and each candle is lit during the holiday of Hanukkah. The menorah is usually candles but can also be made of oil or wicks and while an electric one can be used as a display, the real significance must be displayed with non-electric versions. Many Hanukkah cards feature the menorah displayed on the front.
Try: The Jewish Virtual Library has a clear definition of the menorah and its history.

Dreidel

The dreidel is a toy that is used during Hanukkah. It is a four sided top that spins and has a letter of the Hebrew alphabet on each side signifying an acronym meaning "a great miracle happened." Some Hanukkah cards feature a paper dreidel toy inside. These are great for customers purchasing Hanukkah cards for children.
Try: Wise Geek has extensive information on what a dreidel is and how the game is played.

Maccabees

The Maccabees were a group of Jewish warriors who fought the Syrian-Greek armies who had control of Judea. They were extremely outnumbered, but were still able to win against the armies they fought. They rededicated the corrupted Temple, and instituted the festival of Hanukkah to memorialize their victory. If you want to have further knowledge of Hanukkah when selling cards, this is important to know since it is a major story in the Hanukkah celebration.
Try: The Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center (CHABAD) has an article on Maccabees in their knowledge base with multiple links.

Ninth candle

During Hanukkah, a candle is lit each night but there is an extra candle that is known as the shamash. This candle is used to light the other eight candles. Cards you sale featuring a menorah will show nine candles and customers may be curious about the celebration being only 8 days. If you have Jewish customers, this is especially important to know when selling Hanukkah cards.
Try: The Holiday Spot has information on the ninth candle under their homemade Menorah section.

Talmud

The Talmud is a collection of Jewish traditions and laws, which includes oral law and the Mishnah, a compilation of debates and legal opinions. The Talmud may not show up in many greeting cards but is an important part of Hanukkah and may be included in some verses or card quotes.
Try: Early Christian Writings offers an informational guide on the Talmud.