Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish freedom fighters, over the Syrian-Greeks in the second century BCE. This eight-day holiday is celebrated at the beginning of the Jewish month of Kislev, usually in December (but sometimes, due to certain circumstances, it can be celebrated in late November or early January). During Hanukkah, Jews devote themselves to the study of the Torah and other Jewish texts, light ceremonial candles, exchange gifts, and eat special foods such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly donuts (sufganiyot).
Origins of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates a time of liberation for the Jews in the second century BCE. After the Seleucid Empire (the Syrian-Greeks) invaded Judea, a small Jewish army led by Judah Maccabee and his family started a successful revolt and defeated the Seleucid Empire. After reclaiming the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the Maccabees discovered that the temple had only enough ritual oil for one night. They lit the menorah anyway, and miraculously the oil lasted for eight days and nights – enough time to replenish their supplies. This miracle is thought to have given Hanukkah its name, which comes from the Hebrew word for “dedication.”
Hanukkah Customs
Every night of Hanukkah, Jews light the Hanukkiah (a 9-branched candelabra), which commemorates the miracle of the sacred oil. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second night, and so on. Prayers are said and blessings are sung as a family shares a special meal and the exchanging of gifts. Jews also play dreidel, a game involving spinning a four-sided top with Hebrew letters on each side.
Latkes and Sufganiyot
Another traditional custom of Hanukkah is the eating of fried foods. Latkes are potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream and are usually made in the shape of stars or circles. Sufganiyot are jelly-filled doughnuts with powdered sugar on top.
Conclusion
Hanukkah is a joyful Jewish holiday that celebrates the Maccabees’ victory, freedom, and dedication to God. The lighting of the Hanukkiah, symbolic prayers, giving of gifts, playing of games, and eating of fried foods all serve as reminders of the miracle of the oil that happened so many years ago.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.