#Maccabee games

[secular-jew]

Ágnes Keleti (née Klein), survived the Holocaust, lived through the overthrow of communism in her native Hungary, and won 10 Olympic medals over the course of her career. At 103, she is the oldest living Olympian medalist alive today.

Born in 1921, Agnes became a star gymnast in her youth, winning national championships and at 15, participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. With the outbreak of World War II, Keleti concealed her Jewish identity and survived by finding work as a maid in a small village. Her father and other family members were murdered at Auschwitz.

After the war, Ágnes resumed her career and made her true athletic breakthrough. She missed the 1948 London Olympics due to a torn ankle ligament.

At 31, which is quite an ancient age for a gymnast, she won 4 medals at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, including the gold in the floor exercise.

In 1956, during the Melbourne Olympics, the USSR invaded Hungary, and Ágnes defected along with 4 other Hungarian athletes. The following year, she emigrated to Israel where she became the star of the 5th Maccabiah – מכביה.

Keleti collected more Olympic medals (10, including 5 gold medals) than Usain Bolt (9).

Photo: Agnes Keleti, the Maccabiah Archive

[drewminyart]

and i lay here beside you and i‘m golden now

[theredqueenandthebloodwyrm]

(I voted 4-6 but actually counting my answers it would have been 7 for my first reblog)

Holidays that I should have remembered to put down because I know them and corrections about what I said are in the tags.

So in total after fact-checking and looking up for clarification AFTER THE FIRST POST, I DID NOT CHEAT (promise)-- I know nine holidays in total after checking my initial answers + seeing what I forgot the first time around. Plus Eden provided me that lovely spreadsheet about the list of Jewish Holidays and feasts so I can go memorize that now.

Non-jews of tumblr:

If possible, please write your answers in the tags!

[jewishpositivity18]

Have you heard of major league dreidel? It's a thing. And the arena is called a spinagogue. According to the Wikipedia page for dreidel,

"Dreidel is now a spoof competitive sport in North America. Major League Dreidel (MLD), founded in New York City in 2007, hosts dreidel tournaments during the holiday of Hanukkah. In MLD tournaments the player with the longest time of spin (TOS) is the winner. MLD is played on a Spinagogue, the official spinning stadium of Major League Dreidel. Pamskee was the 2007 MLD Champion. Virtual Dreidel was the 2008 MLD Champion.[26] In 2009, Major League Dreidel launched a game version of the Spinagogue.[27]

In 2009, Good Morning America published a story on Dreidel Renaissance reporting on the rising popularity of the dreidel.[28] Dreidel games that have come out on the market since 2007 include No Limit Texas Dreidel,[29] a cross between traditional dreidel and Texas Hold'em poker, invented by a Judaica company called ModernTribe.[30] Other new dreidel games include Staccabees[31] and Maccabees.[32]"

Also, the game of dreidel is statistically unfair

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreidel

Obviously I need to spread this cursed information to my fellow yidden

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Some Hanukkah-Related Vocabulary

Hanukkah

In Judaism, the Hanukkah holiday is the “festival of lights.” Lasting eight days, the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BCE. Once the Temple was won, the Jews found only enough oil to keep the eternal flame of the menorah lit for one day.

According to legend, the miracle of Hanukkah occurred when that small amount sustained the menorah’s light for eight days, in order for more oil to be made. Fittingly, hanukkah literally means “a dedication” in Hebrew.

As is the case with many languages, there are certain sounds in Hebrew that just don’t exist in English. The first letter of Chanukah, the modern Hebrew letter chet, makes a sound called a “voiceless velar fricative,” a ch in the back of the throat similar to the Scottish pronunciation of loch. The classical Hebrew pronunciation had a softer ch sound, represented by the H instead of Ch in Hanukkah. Today, both spellings exist side by side.

Menorah

The Hanukkah menorah (also called the hanukiah) is a candelabrum with nine branches. Eight of the candles represent each night of Hanukkah, while the ninth (the shammes) is used to light the others.

The original menorah in the biblical Temple of Jerusalem had only seven branches, representing the seven branches of human knowledge and the seven days of biblical creation. The Hanukkah menorah has a more specific purpose, representing the eight nights of the holiday. Translated from the Hebrew, menorah means “lamp.”

Shammes

From the Hebrew word shamash meaning “to serve,” shammes (or shames) means “attendant.” The shammes is the ninth candle on the Hanukkah menorah, used to light the candles representing each night.

The Hanukkah candles are traditionally placed in the menorah from right to left, though they’re lit using the shammes from left to right each night. On the first night of Hanukkah, the menorah will have only two candles, the shammes and the right-most candle. On the last night, a menorah will display all nine.Previous

Maccabees

In Jewish history, the celebration of Hanukkah and the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem are the work of the Maccabees, an ancient family of Jewish leaders who rebelled against their colonizers. After years of oppression under King Antiochus Epiphanes, Judas Maccabaeus led a rebel army against Antiochus and reclaimed not only the Temple but Jewish freedom.

It is possible the name Maccabee is derived from the Hebrew maqqabh meaning “hammer.” It was given to Judas and the rebels in honor of their fortitude.

Antiochus

The “baddie” in the Hannukah story is the Greek-Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes. But what you may not know is that there are a lot of people named Antiochus in history, particularly kings. The one in the Hannukah story is believed to be Antiochus IV.  

Yet the meaning of Antiochus in Greek is a bit confusing. Antí– means “against,” and ékhō means “to have, to own.” Taken together, his name means “one who is against owning.”

Dreidel

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top bearing the Hebrew letters (nun, gimel, hei, shin). Children spin the dreidel and win or lose based on the letter facing up when the top stops spinning. The letters on the faces of the dreidel form an acronym for the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham meaning “a great miracle happened there,” referring to Israel and the Temple of Jerusalem.

In Israel, the letters on the top are nun, gimmel, hey, pey, representing “a great miracle happened here.” A dreidel is also known as a sevivol in Hebrew. Observances vary, and some use the Hebrew terms when celebrating Hannukah.

Gelt

A piece of Hanukkah gelt is a chocolate coin usually wrapped in gold foil, designed for children to gamble with during a game of dreidel. 

Gelt is Yiddish, derived from the Old High German, for “money.”

Latke

One of the Jewish traditions of Hanukkah is to make foods made in oil to celebrate the oil lasting for eight days.

A latke is a potato pancake made from shredded potato and fried in oil, often served with applesauce or sour cream. Like gelt, latke is a Yiddish word derived from the Russian latka meaning “pastry.” The oil in which latkes are fried represents the oil that kept the menorah burning.

Sufganiyot

Another popular dish at Hannukah is sufganiyot, small jelly-filled donuts.  

The origin of the name sufganiyot is debated, and as with other terms described here, its spelling can vary. It’s said to come from the ancient Hebrew word sofgan which means a kind of spongy dough.

However, a popular story claims that God gave Adam and Eve sufganiyot to cheer them up after they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden—the name, then, comes from the Hebrew spelling of Garden of Eden.  

Apocrypha

Speaking of things that are apocryphal, the story of Hanukkah is not found in the Jewish Bible, known as the Torah. Instead, the story of the Maccabees and the Temple is found in a collection of later writings known as the Apocrypha. 

The word apocrypha comes from the Greek for “hidden, obscure.” This collection of writings, including the stories of the Maccabees, is known as the Apocrypha because their authors are “hidden” or unknown (or they weren’t written in Hebrew). 

It wasn’t until 1735 that apocrypha came to be used in reference to all kinds of marginal tales or those with unknown authors, not just Biblical ones.  

Kislev

It might seem like the holiday of Channukah changes dates every single year. But actually, the dates are the same every year—just on a different calendar. Most of the world uses what’s known as the Gregorian calendar. But Jewish holidays are set according to the Hebrew calendar, so they appear to change dates every year on the Gregorian calendar. 

Hanukkah starts at sundown on 25 Kislev every year and lasts for eight nights. Kislev is the name of the ninth month in the Hebrew calendar. The name Kislev comes from ancient Assyrian or Akkadian names for the same time period.  

Chag Sameach

How you say “Happy holidays” in Hebrew. 

Chag means “holiday,” and sameach means “happy.”

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[tixdixl]

BEEB!

Holiday ask reciprocation!

What kind of traditions or little fun things tend to go on around your cast of OCs? You have such a wide arrangement of backgrounds, I'd legit love to hear about what you think TWST's different regions do to celebrate winter OvO

HELLO BEEB!!!

Aaaaaaaa thank you so much!! I really appreciate you asking!!

Oisín

So I have a personal headcanon that Briar Valley is more likely to celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstace rather than like... Christmas. While it may be difficult for the average person to see the differences due to real life synchrotism, I like to imagine Briar Valley celebrates a Yule without the influences of colonialism. So we might still see the fir trees and the lights in lanterns on the walkways. Feasts and stories by the fireplace are a must.

I imagine the way it translates in NRC too is that Oisín probably spends time with their Diasomnia family, being deliberate about doing Yuletide activities with them. As for the Ignihyde family, they probably offer for their clutch to join them in activities, with the understanding that no one is pressured to do anything.

Emil

So this is a fun one that I will have to offer a bit of explanation too. When designing Emil as a character, I was very deliberate in removing the anti-semitism from Gothel's depictions, in favor of actually leaning into the Jewishness of her character. When trying to figure out how much of Tangled I actually wanted to incorporate, I had the realization. Tangled has a holiday where they light lanterns... in hopes of bringing their lost princess home. Twisted Wonderland interprets the Disney animated films as mythos and folklore for their world, yeah? So I imagine the story of Rapunzel includes a holiday, where the people light lanterns in celebration of the lights that brought their Lost Princess back home and led her to freedom. The celebrations likely include dancing, singing, crafts and games, just like the festival in the film.

You know what that kind of not exactly sounds like? The Maccabees and the festivities of Chanukah. So I decided to lean into that and synchrotize certain elements, harmless nods of Chanukah into the Festival of Lights. Places that neatly overlap without any disrespect to the holiday that I personally celebrate, I opted to combine ideas. So... Emil and his hometown celebrate the Festival of Lights.

He's actually never heard of Yuletide or Christmas prior to coming to NRC. He tries to learn and be respectful of the traditions of his classmates and loved ones. And I do have a ficlet WIP that I hope to finish where Emil invites the unofficial cooking club to make latkes with him, to light a lantern, and to participate with him when he can't be at home.

René

The Black Swan is used to big holiday parties and social gatherings back home. So I like to imagine that René and the Octavinelle squad probably decorate the Lounge and put on a little celebration of their own.

René also gives gifts to the people they care about. At first, it's likely a superficial thing done for appearances. But as they grow and start actually developing and fostering relationships, they start to actually put effort into it. And sometimes those gifts arent even gifts, its quality time. Its acts of service.

Kingsley

This man is a Grinch LOL. Much like Briar Valley, the Cantrevs celebrate Yuletide and the Winter Solstace. It probably looks different for his home considering traditions tend to vary from region to region. And I tried to do research into Cymru, which is where the Chronicles of Prydain pulls its mythos and inspiration from. Again, keep in mind we have to do some imagining that its not been impacted by colonialism.

But when he's at NRC? He doesn't... get the festivities. If he has to under obligation, he'll participate. But he'll be pissed about it the entire time.

Xiáng

The Lunar New Year is definitely something I headcanon is celebrated in the Land of the Red Dragons. And I would say that all the food, clothing, games, dances, decorations... he actively participates in the festivities as much as he's permitted to.

I also had this fun idea that Xiáng goes to Kalim and asks if they can do a New Year's celebration. And Kalim sort of responds "I don't know anything about your Lunar New Year, but I LOVE a good party!!! Let's do it!!!" And Jamil walks into Scarabia SHOCKED that all the preparations were done behind his back, without his help, and the dorm isnt on fire.

Alphonse

Alphonse is also from Briar Valley. He likely celebrates Yule in a similar fashion to Oisín, but he is more likely to keep it to his close friends and loved ones. He is very intentional in giving Malleus, Xiáng, and Yuu gifts. And since he also spends a lot of his time between both Diasomnia and Ramshackle, he probably offers to help decorate Ramshackle too.... by doing it... without asking lol.

Sefu

So I'll be completely transparent. I know Christmas and Yule aren't really celebrated in many African countries. I know that the Sunset Savannah likely pulls some of its incluence from Kenyan culture, because of the influence on the Lion King. I ALSO know that Cloudcalling has caused people to debate if additional tribal influence can be found in their traditional garb. That said, I will own up in my ignorance that when I had the opportunity to hang out with my Kenyan colleagues, they didn't speak much on December holidays? Moreso focusing on the traditional holidays celebrated in April, May, and August. So outside of Western influence, I don't know if there are traditions that would be celebrated there. I also don't want to be that American who makes false approximations in their fiction and does a massive disrespect to the people who live there. That said, it IS something I want to learn more about, and not from a poluted Western lens.

As far as NRC goes, Sefu... doesn't really care about the school festivities? They kind of keep to themself and roll their eyes at the jolly gayness of it all.

Thanks again for the ask!!! It really means a lot!!

Tag list: @ramshacklerumble @the-trinket-witch @elenauaurs @rainesol @starry-night-rose

@inmateofthemind @cyanide-latte @winterweary @theleechyskrunkly @thehollowwriter

@twstinginthewind @twistedwonderlandshenanigans @lumdays @boopshoops

Lmk if you want added/removed

[vodrae]

The Endgame series just popped in my head when talking about Hunger Games with my gf, I'm split between read them again (and buy the 3rd) or keeping my memories of them and not reading them with my older eyes

I need to talk to somebody about Endgame you guys have to read that book. It’s been a year but i’m still crying over it. THAT BOOK WAS SO GOOD AND NEEDS A PROPER FANDOM

[simthingwonderful]

Latkes for your sims!

Latkes (or potato pancakes) are usually eaten during Hanukkah because they're fried. Fried foods are intended to commemorate the drop of oil found by the Maccabees that was expected to last for one day, but lasted for eight instead. I may create more Hanukkah foods in the future.

Latkes can be eaten for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They require a cooking skill of 6 (because in real life, they're a pain to make), and the recipe can be bought at the bookstore. CCLoader is needed for latkes to appear in your game.

Download from ModTheSims:

[chai-af]

chanukah !!

chanukah is coming up! it’s a jewish holiday (can be seen spelled several different ways such as “hanukkah”) that commemorates jewish resistance to assimilation.

in the second century bce, judea, the land where jewish people’s ancestors resided, were subjected to pressure from the greeks to accept their culture and beliefs (during this period, judea was ruled by the seleucids, which are the syrian-greeks).

you may have not heard of antiochus IV, the successor of alexander the great, who conquered judea (along with syria and egypt). while alexander allowed the people under his control to continue observing their religious traditions, antiochus was much more oppressive. he massacred jews and prohibited the practice of judaism, as well as requiring the sacrifice of pigs at the holy temple (pigs aren’t kosher and therefore it is sacrilegious to sacrifice them).

a jewish army led by judah the maccabee revolted against the assimilation of hellenistic jews and the oppression of the seleucid greek government. they miraculously defeated the seleucid army and drove them off the land. jews reclaimed the holy temple in jerusalem and “rededicated” it (as it was desecrated by the seleucids). the word chanukah means “dedication” because of this event.

it is said that when the jewish people went to light the temple’s menorah, they only find one cruse of olive oil that was untouched by the seleucids. thus, they let the menorah with that one-day supply and it lasted for eight days. this story gives reasoning as to why we light our chanukah candle on the chanukiah (a 9-branched menorah)* every night for eight nights. it’s also why chanukah is also known as the festival of lights.

so today, other than lighting the candles, we also eat foods that are fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). another popular tradition is to play with the dreidel, which is a (typically wooden) four-sided spinning top, with a hebrew letter on each side (נ‎, ג‎, ה‎, ש‎; nun, gimel, hey, and shin). each letter represents an action that the spinner has to do. it’s sort of a gambling game and typically uses chocolate gelt (those chocolate coins covered in gold foil) as currency.

* why are they 9 branches when we light the candles for eight night? because the ninth candle is in the middle and known as the shamash, or the heper candle. it is the candle that is lit first and used to light the other candle. each night’s new candle is added from right to left, while we light them from left to right.

sources:

https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102911/jewish/What-Is-Hanukkah.htm

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hannukah

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-hanukkah#:~:text=Hanukkah%2C%20which%20means%20%E2%80%9Cdedication%2C,Temple's%20candelabrum%20for%20one%20day.

hope those who celebrate have a happy chanukah, and happy holidays to the rest of you lovely people <3

[gingersnaptaff]

papyrus and taro for the ask game!

Hi Cenisa!!!!! Hope you're okay!!

papyrus ⇢ if you put your ‘on repeat’ playlist on shuffle, what’s the first song that comes up? what do you like about it / associate it with?

One that comes up quite often is Glimmer by The Maccabees. It's honestly so beautiful. I used to listen to it when the album first came out in 2012 like really late at night after everybody else was asleep so it's just very still to me. Soothing in an odd way.

taro ⇢ if someone called you right now to catch up, what’re the things you’d tell them about?

This happened today with my mate from uni and I was basically like 'Yeah I wrote a tumblr post and then ate chocolates. Also, work sucked.' So if Viki is reading this - which she sometimes does - the like thank u for surprising me with the knowledge that u have a car and are planning to visit me. 🧡💓 I petted Maude for u as u instructed!

Anyways, thank u for the asks! I loved answering them! ☺️☺️

[nogoodnikolai]

the maccabees are trying to come down my chimney to rid my house of pagan idols but they all tried to descend at the same time and now they're all backed up. i don't speak aramaic but it sounds like the blame game's getting pretty heated up there.

[mariacallous]

Hanukkah is a celebration of light, oil-laden delicacies and the gifting of gelt – real or edible coins. Among the many traditional reasons for gifting Hanukkah gelt, one is that we remind ourselves of the Jewish freedom that was gained during the miracle of Hanukkah, as a celebratory coin was minted after the Maccabees won their victory over the Greeks. European Jewish chocolatiers began making chocolate coins for Hanukkah as far back as the 18th century, and in America they became popular in the 20th century. 

While edible gelt is most often found in chocolate form, I was inspired to try a savory route when I stumbled on the “Jewish Holiday Cookbook,” and Gloria Kaufer Greene’s suggestion to make British cheese “coin” crackers for the festival of lights. I am an unabashed cracker enthusiast; and I am always pleasantly surprised by how simple it can be to make them at home. Cheddar cheese coins (also called cheese pennies), have the addictive savory tanginess of a Cheez-It, with the hardiness of a homemade cracker.

This retro snack is made with just a few simple ingredients like good cheddar cheese, flour and butter. They’re quick to whip up, and store well in an airtight container for up to one week. Cheese coins are flavorful enough to be served and eaten all on their own, ideally as a light nibble accompanied by a fizzy beverage before dinner. These crackers are extra delightful topped with a fruity fig or plum preserve, or even a slice of cheese on top – afterall, it is “guild the lily” season. 

Whether you’re enjoying cheese coins over a game of dreidel, or as a pre-dinner cocktail snack, what’s not to love about salty, cheesy, crispy crackers? 

Note: This recipe works best with hand-grated cheese, as opposed to the store-bought pre-shredded variety, which has a powdery coating on the outside.

[marshvlovestv]

I’m making a post in which to compile video game concepts that cater to my specific interests which I will 100% make if I ever magically acquire computer skills.

Don Quixote RPG: Because I love games inspired by classical literature and this is the only piece of literature I really have a deep understanding of. In the tradition of Earthbound-like RPGMaker games like Omori, Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass, and Deltarune where the RPG progression takes place within an imagined world, you play primarily as Sancho Panza, guiding his master through a dull overworld that transforms to match the fantastical imaginings of Don Quixote upon entering a combat encounter. As Sancho, your goal in combat is to lose, but not too badly, so as to avoid injury to both Don Quixote and the unfortunate innocent he’s seeing as a monster.

Jewish roguelike: Inspired by the fact that it’s Rosh Hashanah and I’ve had to bite my gamer tongue so much as people around me discuss the real binding of Isaac. Do you like action roguelikes? Are you Jewish? Do you like The Binding of Isaac for the gameplay but wish it didn’t stink thematically of being made by atheist edgelords who definitely lump Christianity, Judaism and Islam together as “Abrahamic religions?” So far idea goes no further than the words “Jewish roguelike” but that alone seems ripe with potential (maybe you play as a Maccabee? That’s a war story, right? You have to survive through eight levels or something, I don’t know)

[ameliathefatcat]

On my TikTok fyp there’s a Jesus video game that looks amazing. Like it looks super cool and I would play it if it wasn’t about Jesus.

The one thing of jealous of Christians because of how cool their content is. I wish us Jews had half of the wild crap Christian’s do. Like I want a Moshe video game or Judah Maccabee video game

[luckynewtgames]

Your New Purpose: A Golem's Debate

To Our Dear Host: Please feel free to post off-site for posterity.

Recommended: 3+ players; age 6+ Materials: 5-minute timer and writing implements Optional: History or religious texts for references

Play as golems who have awakened after centuries of sleep. The word inscribed on your forehead has been smudged or altered; you remember your purpose but not if it's your CURRENT purpose. You're drawn to something specific though, so use that and help from other golems to figure it out.

The youngest starts as Golem 1 (G1) and names their purpose. The next player (G2) names a material G1 is drawn to and suggests what G1's new purpose is. The next player to G2 (G3) names the item the material is from and makes their own suggestion.

Start the timer.

Players debate G1's new purpose based on what G1 was drawn to. Arguments based on Jewish texts and stories hold the most weight. G1 can counter arguments or take notes during the debate. After the timer stops, the debate is over.

G2 states their own purpose, G3 the material, and so forth. Continue until all players have a turn.

End with G1 stating their new purpose and what argument(s) decided it, then G2, and on until all players have stated their new purpose.

Important Notes

Jewish `≠ Zionist. Antisemitism ≠ Anti-Zionist. They are not one in the same. In fact, there are a ton of people who identify as both Jewish and Anti-Zionist.

No matter your belief, background, or culture, we hope you have fun with this game. All we ask is that you play with respect.

Your New Purpose be a great excuse to check out some Jewish stories and history. It's an interesting religion and rich culture with so much history.

Smaller Note

I'm planning on releasing this game on my itch.io page, complete with some simple roll tables for ideas, better formatting, and the examples below. I'll share a link on my tumblr page when it's released, so keep your eyes open!

~~~~~

Examples of Game Play

Example 1

G1: I'm a Builder! Or was, I'm not sure yet.

G2: You find yourself drawn to a piece of metal. Metal is used a lot in building these days, so you could still be a Builder.

G3: The metal belongs to a blade. I think you were a Warrior with a sword.

(timer starts)

G1: Blades don't use need to be used for fighting. They could be used in tools like an ax that chops lumber for building.

G3: I still think your purpose is a Warrior, and there's nothing wrong with that. What if it's from a sword that belonged to a Maccabee? Your purpose could be as a brave warrior, defending your people against huge odds and coming out on top!

G2: On that note, it could also mean you used to be a Warrior, but now your purpose is a Builder. Maybe your original purpose was to wield a sword, but once there was peace, you turned to building things.

G1: Or even growing things. The blade could be from a plough, like for a Farmer.

(and so on....)

Example 2

G3: My purpose was as a Mediator.

G4: You're drawn to a piece of wood. Maybe you're a Builder?

G1: The wood belongs to an olive tree. I think you were a Farmer.

(timer starts)

G4: Okay, not a Builder. But the olive tree could symbolize peace. Maybe you were a Mediator, seeking out truth and helping others find common ground.

G1: I still think you were a Farmer. Olive oil was huge in a lot of food in Jewish culture. In fact, it's one of the Seven Species along with wheat and grapes and stuff. Farmers grow food, including the Seven Species, so it makes sense.

G2: Oh! The Seven Species! You're right, olives correspond with Yesod, or Foundation. It doesn't just have to be in cooking, right? Maybe you're meant to build the foundation of a new city. That would make you a Leader. Wait, can golems be leaders...?

G3: I don't think so? I don't remember anything in the stories bringing up Golems as leaders. That could be a bit strange.

G4: Then I think it would circle back to Builder. Building the foundations of a new city, right?

G1: That's really leaning into symbolism. I think it's more straight-forward than that, with you as a Farmer.

(and so on....)

200 Word RPGs 2024

Each November, some people try to write a novel. Others would prefer to do as little writing as possible. For those who wish to challenge their ability to not write, we offer this alternative: producing a complete, playable roleplaying game in two hundred words or fewer.

This is the submission thread for the 2024 event, running from November 1st, 2024 through November 30th, 2024. Submission guidelines can be found in this blog's pinned post, here.

[cleoenfaserum]

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Children's book. (1243)

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a children's picture book written by Eric Kimmel and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman in 1989. It features the Jewish folk hero and trickster figure Hershel of Ostropol challenging and defeating through guile a series of goblins over the course of the eight nights of Hanukkah, culminating in a showdown with the King of the Goblins himself on the final night. The book won a Caldecott Honor in 1990.

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins - Wikipedia

Hershel facing down the Goblin King from Eric Kimmel's book : 'Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins' illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman reblog source enchantedbook May 14

link https://youtu.be/WVoksAMMQrs

Well, if you are not Jewish like me, there are understandable question about the story that needs to be known to understand this celebration. So I asked my all knowing friend AI Copilot a few questions, which he promptly answered.

Why do the Jews celebrate Hanukkah?

Copilot: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. This event followed the successful revolt of the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, against their Greek-Syrian oppressors.

The story goes that when the Jews reclaimed the temple, they found only enough consecrated oil to keep the temple’s menorah (candelabrum) burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights.

During Hanukkah, families light a special menorah called a Hanukiah, play games like dreidel, sing songs, and enjoy traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).

What do you mean by the rededication for the Second Temple in Jerusalem?

Copilot: The rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem refers to an event that took place in 164 B.C. after the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, successfully revolted against the Greek-Syrian rulers who had desecrated the temple. The Greek-Syrians had imposed their own religious practices and defiled the temple by setting up an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs, which are considered unclean in Judaism.

After reclaiming the temple, the Jews cleansed and purified it, removing all traces of the Greek-Syrian influence. They then rededicated the temple to the worship of the God of Israel. This rededication included the lighting of the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, which was supposed to burn continuously. However, they found only a small amount of consecrated oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, allowing them time to prepare more consecrated oil.

This miracle is the reason Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights, and why lighting the menorah is a central tradition of the holiday.

Is the story by Eric Kimmel "The Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" based on some Jewish old lore, and why did the author write about it?

Copilot:

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Eric Kimmel is a delightful children’s book that draws on the character of Hershel of Ostropol, a traditional Jewish folk hero known for his cleverness and wit. While the story itself is an original creation by Kimmel, it incorporates elements of Jewish folklore and the spirit of Hanukkah.

The book tells the tale of Hershel, who arrives in a village where goblins have taken over the synagogue, preventing the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. Using his cleverness, Hershel outsmarts the goblins over the eight nights of Hanukkah, ultimately restoring the holiday celebrations.

Eric Kimmel wrote this story to blend the themes of Hanukkah with the rich tradition of Jewish folklore. By doing so, he aimed to create an engaging and educational story for children that highlights the values of bravery, cleverness, and the triumph of good over evil. The inclusion of goblins and magical elements adds a layer of excitement and fantasy, making the story appealing to young readers