Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday often referred to as the Festival of Lights and celebrated each year on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. The first night of Hanukkah is a special occasion for family and friends to gather and celebrate the holiday. Celebrating the first night of Hanukkah usually involves following rituals that have been cherished for centuries.
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Lighting the Menorah
The most important Hanukkah ritual is lighting the menorah. It is an eight-branched candelabra that symbolizes the miracle of light that God performed during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is lit each year to remind us of the Hanukkah miracle. The lighting of the menorah starts on the first night of Hanukkah, with the addition of one light each night, until all eight lights are lit.
Spinning the Dreidel
The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with four Hebrew letters inscribed on each side: nun, gimel, hey and shin. These represent the saying: “Nes gadol haya sham,” which means “A great miracle happened there”. The traditional ritual of spinning the dreidel while singing Hanukkah songs and exchanging treats is highly popular among young and old alike.
Finding the Afikomen
Another beloved custom is searching for the afikomen. This refers to the middle matzah used in the Passover seder. At the seder, the crust of this matzah is broken and hidden somewhere in the room, and the members of the family are invited to search for it. Whoever finds it is rewarded with coins, candy or other treats. On the first night of Hanukkah, this game is especially popular in Jewish homes.
Eating Foods Cooked in Oil
Hanukkah is the time to indulge in traditional foods that are fried in oil. The most popular of these is latkes- potato pancakes fried in oil and served with seasonings such as applesauce and sour cream. Other traditional Hanukkah food includes bimuelos- sweet fritters, and sufganiyot- jelly doughnuts.
The first night of Hanukkah is a time of joy and celebration, a time to honor the miracles of the past and to make new memories with loved ones. The rituals and traditions of Hanukkah will continue to be cherished in Jewish homes for many years to come.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.