NES GADOL HAYA PO – a Hanukkah Series

This year’s Hanukkah series spotlights places in Israel that include in their names part of the Hanukkah phrase, “Nes Gadol Haya Po” – a great miracle happened here.  This year, I will take a literal approach, spotlighting places in Israel which include part of this phrase in their names.  Our journey will take us to central Israel, Jerusalem forest, the Galilee, the Golan Heights, the Negev, the Shomron, and the Dead Sea area.  

The first 4 places are associated with the word “nes”, translated in the Hanukkah context as miracle.  In the Bible, the word “nes” refers to a standard or a flag, and not a miracle. 

The next 2 places are associated with the word “gadol”, big.  There is only one place I could find with the actual word “gadol”, but I will also include one site with the Arabic translation of big – “kabir”.

The last 2 places are linked to the word “haya” meaning “was”.  Again, there aren’t any places with the word “haya” specifically, so instead I took this to be an indication of the past and have showcased 2 places whose names are linked to the Hebrew word to express “the olden days” – “kedem”.  

And of course “po” refers to Israel. So, I will bring you throughout the holiday some “Nes” “Gadol” and “Haya” places that are found “po” – in Israel.

Hanukkah Sameach!  May your holiday season be filled with light!