Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated for eight days and nights to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Greeks in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It also marks the rededication of the Jewish Temple, and celebrates the “Miracle of the Oil”, when a single day’s worth of oil was made to last eight days. Today, Hanukkah traditions are celebrated in different parts of the world and it is given many names such as the Festival of Lights, the Festival of Dedication and the Feast of the Maccabees.
Every year, the holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. While Hanukkah has become a popular holiday for many, it is important to remember that it is still a religious holiday and has many rituals and practices associated with it. Here are some ways in which people celebrate Hanukkah today:Table of Contents
Lighting the Menorah
Each night of the eight-day festival, a special candelabrum called the Menorah is lit with ceremonial lamps called shamash. Families, friends and loved ones gather around the Menorah and enjoy some traditional Hanukkah songs while the candles are lit. Prayers are also said at this time to show gratitude and thankfulness for the miracle of the oil and the festival’s significance.
Spinning the Dreidel
An interesting game during Hanukkah is the Dreidel or four-sided spinning top. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this game where each person gets a spin and has to guess which symbol will come up when the Dreidel is spun. Each spin can reveal different combinations which will determine the reward/prize or donation of coins.
Delicious Traditional Dishes
Another way to celebrate Hanukkah is to enjoy some of the traditional dishes. Latkes are a signature dish during Hanukkah, made of potato, onions and eggs. Sufganiyot, which are jelly donuts, are also enjoyed during the festival as a symbol of redemption and sacrifices. Other traditional foods include Cheese Blintzes, Spinach Pie, Potato Kugel and Apples and Honey Cake.
Gift Giving
Gift giving is also an important aspect of Hanukkah and is usually done on behalf of the children. Jews share the coins called “gelt” as a token of good fortune among family and friends. Synagogues, families, pupils and organizations also collect these coins as an act of tzedakah in order to support those in need.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated in a variety of ways all over the world. The miracle of the oil continues to be commemorated each year with traditional rituals, delicious food, gift giving and the spinning of the Dreidel. Hanukkah is a special time for family and friends to join in and celebrate together the legacy of the Maccabees who overcame all odds and rededicated the temple in Jerusalem.
Regardless of how it is celebrated today, Hanukkah remains an important part of the Jewish religion, culture and tradition.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.