Wishing Everyone A Happy Hanukkah MABA MassachusettsRealEstate FirstTimeHomeBuyers MaBuyerAgent

 Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that typically falls in December, though it can occasionally start in late November, depending on the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Central to the Hanukkah story is the miracle of the oil: when the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough consecrated oil to light the menorah (a sacred candelabrum) for one day, but the oil miraculously lasted for eight days. This event is the basis for many of the holiday’s traditions.

The Menorah and Hanukkah Rituals

The lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, is the central ritual of Hanukkah. On each of the eight nights, one additional candle is lit, using the shamash (a helper candle), until all eight candles are aglow on the final night. The menorah is typically displayed in a window or doorway to publicly proclaim the miracle of Hanukkah. Families gather to recite blessings over the candles and sing traditional songs. In addition to the menorah lighting, it is customary to recite prayers of thanksgiving and praise, including Hallel, a special prayer of gratitude.

Traditional Foods and Games

Hanukkah is also known for its festive foods, many of which are fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the oil in the Temple. Among the most popular Hanukkah dishes are latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Another popular tradition during Hanukkah is the game of dreidel, a spinning top with four Hebrew letters—Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin—each standing for the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there.” Players use the dreidel to win or lose small items like chocolate coins, known as gelt.

Hanukkah’s Modern Significance

While Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in religious terms compared to other Jewish holidays like Passover or Yom Kippur, it has gained significance in modern times, particularly in the United States, where it often coincides with the holiday season. For many, it is a time to celebrate Jewish identity, community, and resilience. Hanukkah also emphasizes the themes of religious freedom and perseverance, reminding Jews of their struggle to maintain their traditions and faith in the face of oppression. Today, Hanukkah is celebrated not only as a historical event but also as a symbol of hope and the endurance of Jewish culture throughout history.

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Both seller's agent fees and buyer agent's fees are part of a typical real estate transaction and are included in the final negotiated purchase price of the property. There should be no additional fees to the buyer for a buyer's agent above and beyond the negotiated purchase price of a home unless specifically agreed in writing between the buyer and agent before an offer is made.

In most cases, the seller's agent pays the buyer's agent for bringing the buyer, negotiating the purchase price and terms, writing a legally correct offer, coordinating inspections, responses, and financing plus handling numerous additional details on the buyer's side of the transaction.

Buyers should avoid contacting seller's agents and sellers directly unless they are comfortable negotiating and representing themselves. That is why it is important for buyers to choose their agents BEFORE they begin looking at homes or as soon as possible if they have begun looking.

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