Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. The holiday usually falls in late November or December, based on the Hebrew calendar.

Origin:

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish fighters, over the Syrian-Greek forces. The Maccabees sought to reclaim their temple, which had been desecrated, and restore Jewish practices. According to tradition, when they rededicated the temple, they found only a small amount of oil to light the temple’s menorah (a candelabrum), enough for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why the holiday is celebrated for eight nights.

Observances:

1. Lighting the Menorah:

Each night, one additional candle of the menorah is lit until all eight are illuminated. The menorah serves as a central symbol of the holiday.

2. Blessings and Songs:

Special blessings are recited during the lighting, followed by traditional songs.

3. Traditional Foods:

Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), are eaten to symbolize the oil miracle.

4. Dreidel Game:

A four-sided spinning top called a dreidel is used for games, often played with chocolate coins or small prizes.

5. Giving Gifts:

It’s common to give small gifts or “gelt” (money) to children, especially in modern celebrations.

Hanukkah emphasizes themes of religious freedom, miracles, and perseverance, making it a time of joy and celebration for Jewish communities worldwide.