Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, eating traditional foods such as latkes, and playing dreidel games. Many cultures around the world celebrate the holiday, and its history, rituals, and meaning vary greatly depending on the region in which it is observed. But no matter in what language it is said, the phrase “Hanukkah” remains the same.
The word Hanukkah is derived from the Hebrew term for “dedication” (ḥanukkah) which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees after their victory over the Seleucid Empire. The history of Hanukkah can be traced back to 165 BCE, when the first festival was celebrated. During a Hanukkah celebration, a menorah (nine-branched candelabra) is lit, prayer is said, and traditional foods are eaten.
A key ritual of Hanukkah is the game of the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with letters inscribed in Hebrew on each side. Those letters aren’t just words, but serve as an acronym for the phrase, “A great miracle happened there”. As the dreidel is spun, a child (or adult) closes their eyes and recites a prayer with the hope of winning something. Each “win” results in a prize of either nuts, chocolates, or coins.
Hanukkah is celebrated in many cultures, and is sometimes known as the “Festival of Lights”. In some countries, such as the United States, it is a popular holiday and is celebrated with gift-giving, gatherings with family and friends, and the exchange of Hanukkah greetings. In other cultures, such as Israel, it is more of a minor holiday, not given the same emphasis as in other countries.
No matter the language, the phrase “Hanukkah” is usually said the same way. In English, it is said Hah-Noo-Kah. In Yiddish, it is said Hoo-Nah-Kah. In Hebrew, it is written as a single word, חנוכה and is typically pronounced Khah-Noo-Kah. Regardless of the language, the phrase Hanukkah is always a reminder of the Festival of Lights’ long history.
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday celebrated for eight nights that provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together, enjoy traditional foods, exchange gifts, and create memories. Every year, as the menorah is lit and the dreidel is spun, those around the world celebrate the joyous occasion with festivities no matter which language they speak. No matter the language, the phrase “Hanukkah” will always remain the same.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.