Hanukkah, or the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a joyous eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. During the celebration, observant Jews will kindle a special menorah with eight candles, one for each day of the festival. As with many other Jewish holidays, traditional rituals, activities and food are all part of the celebration.
Beginning on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was conquered and defiled by the Syrians in 164 BCE. The Jews were able to reclaim the Temple and miraculously lit a single jar of oil, with enough fuel to last a whole day and yet it lasted for 8 days, a miracle that is observed by the Hanukkah Menorah.Observance of the Festival
To commemorate the miracle of the oil, observant Jews will light an eight-candle menorah. The first candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah and the last candle is lit on the last night. On the first night, two candles are lit side by side to acknowledge the dual importance of the festival: remembrance of the miracle and celebration of freedom. The menorah is placed either in a window or near a doorway so it can be seen from the street or by visitors.
Special Activities
Along with the traditions of lighting the menorah and giving gifts, families will often play dreidel, a game traditionally played during Hanukkah. The game uses a four-sided top with several Hebrew letters inscribed on each side. The center of the game is a pile of treats, typically nuts or chocolate coins. The traditional foods eaten during Hanukkah are oil-based, to honor the miracle of the oil. Common foods include potato latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
Gifts
On the final day families give gifts to each other. Most of the gifts come in the form of chocolate, coins or small presents. Kids are showered by their grandparents and extended family with coins, called gelt, which usually come in either chocolate or real money form.
Conclusion
Hanukkah is one of the most joyous holidays of the Jewish year, commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil. While the rituals and activities are a clear part of the celebration, at the heart of the festival lies the importance of faith, freedom and survival of the Jewish people in the face of perilous times.
Related Products:
- How Do Orthodox Jews Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Why Do Jews Celebrate Hanukkah For Kids?
- How Do Jews Decorate For Hanukkah?
- Why Do Jews Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do I Celebrate Hanukkah?
- What Do Jews Do On Hanukkah?
- How Do Jewish Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do We Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do The Jewish Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do People Celebrate The Miracle Of Hanukkah Today?
- How Do You Celebrate The First Day Of Hanukkah?
- How Do People Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do You Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do Families Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do U Celebrate Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.