Hanukkah is one of the oldest Jewish holidays, dating back to the second century BCE. While the holiday is celebrated all over the world, it holds a special place in the hearts of Jews living in Israel due to its connection to the country’s ancient history and the understanding that its celebration has symbolized a new era of religious freedom. The holiday brings together both ancient traditions and modern customs, making it a unique and special time in Israel.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees in 164 BCE. According to the Talmud, a miracle occurred during the rededication, when the one-day supply of oil used to light the Temple menorah lasted for eight days, so the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.
What are Some of the Symbols Associated with Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is associated with several symbols that are integral to its celebration in Israel. The most prominent symbol is the nine-branched menorah, which is used to light eight candles and the shamash or helper candle at the center of the menorah. Another symbol is the dreidel, a small spinning top with four Hebrew letters inscribed on it. The letters are an acronym for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “a great miracle happened there.” Other symbols include sufganiyot (jelly filled doughnuts) and Hanukkah gelt, which is a type of currency given as gifts during the holiday.
How is Hanukkah Celebrated in Israel?
The main observance of Hanukkah in Israel is a large public menorah lighting that takes place outside of the Knesset in Jerusalem. Public menorah lightings are also common in many other cities throughout Israel. Families also traditionally light a menorah in their homes and recite special blessings each night.
One of the most popular Hanukkah traditions in Israel is the mitzvah of eating fried food, commonly referred to as the “Festival of Latkes.” Latkes are typically made from potatoes or sweet potato and are served with various toppings such as applesauce and sour cream. The mitzvah is part of the celebration because it reminds Jews of the miracle of the oil that sustained the menorah for eight days.
In addition to eating fried foods, Israeli Hanukkah celebrations often include playing games with the spinning dreidel, exchanging gifts of Hanukkah gelt and enjoying sufganiyot.
Hanukkah in Israel is celebrated with traditional rituals, meaningful symbols and lots of joy. Families and friends gather to light the menorah and recite special blessings each night and people often exchange gifts of Hanukkah gelt. Fried foods such as latkes are also eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. As Israelis celebrate the holiday, it is a reminder of the freedom that has been won and the ancient Jewish roots that bind them all together.
Hanukkah is an important holiday in Israel that is shared with friends and family, carrying on ancient traditions and creating new memories each year.
Related Products:
- How Many Days Is Hanukkah In Israel?
- How Is Hanukkah Celebrated In Israel?
- How Many Nights Does The Hanukkah Celebration Last In Israel?
- How Do You Say Happy Hanukkah In Israel?
- How To Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How To Properly Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do I Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do You Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah How To Celebrate?
- How Do Orthodox Jews Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Do Families Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How Celebrate Hanukkah?
- How To Celebrate First Day Of Hanukkah?
- How To Say Happy Hanukkah In Israel?
- How To Celebrate Hanukkah As A Christian?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.