Hanukkah is a Jewish festival which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. During the eight-day festival of Hanukkah families light the menorah and eat foods fried in oil, like latkes and sufganiyot, as a reminder of the miracle which took place after the Maccabean Revolt. This article will provide an overview of the traditions of Hanukkah, how to light the menorah, recipes for classic Hanukkah foods, and more.
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Hanukkah Traditions
The tradition of lighting the menorah, also known as the Hanukkah Lamp, is one of the most enduring symbols of the festival. The menorah should be lit each night to remind people of the miraculous light that lasted for eight days and nights in the Temple after the Maccabean Revolt. Families gather together to light the menorah, usually singing special prayers or blessings such as the “Shehecheyanu” and the “Hanerot Hallalu”. Other traditional elements of Hanukkah include playing with the dreidel, spinning the dreidel, and giving and/or receiving Hanukkah gifts.
Lighting the Menorah
Lighting the menorah is a key part of the celebration of Hanukkah. On the first night of the festival, the first candle of the menorah is lit from a separate candle. This candle is known as the Shamash (Hebrew for “helper”) and should be placed in the middle or on the side of the menorah. The other eight lights, one for each night of Hanukkah, should be lit from left to right. Each night an extra candle is added. The blessings for lighting the menorah are usually said when the Shamash is lit.
Recipes for Traditional Hanukkah Foods
One of the most important parts of the Hanukkah celebration is eating a festive meal. Many traditional Hanukkah dishes include fried foods as a reminder of the miracle of the Temple’s oil lasting for eight days and nights. Popular Hanukkah recipes include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). A traditional side dish is kugel, a savory pudding made with noodles or potatoes.
Gifts and Other Traditions
Another important tradition on Hanukkah is exchanging gifts. Giving gifts to children is a great way for families to celebrate the holiday. Gifts are often exchanged among family members and friends to show appreciation and to have a reason to get together. Other popular traditions include playing with the dreidel and lighting the candles of the menorah.
From the menorah to the recipes for traditional Hanukkah dishes, this article provided a general overview of how to do the Hanukkah celebration. Whether you choose to light the menorah with your family and friends or exchange gifts with those near and dear to you, the traditions of Hanukkah are sure to bring joy and light to your home.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.