Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights. It is a time of joy and celebration that all Jews, regardless of their faith or background, can share in. Hanukkah is full of traditions, rituals, and special foods that have been passed down from generation to generation. As we celebrate Hanukkah, it’s important to understand the origin of this joyful holiday.
Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as the Feast of Dedication. It is celebrated in mid-December and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following a Jewish victory over the Syrians in 164 BCE. This rededication was marked by the lighting of a menorah in the temple – a feat made possible by a miraculous discovery of enough intact holy oil to last the duration of eight days. Next year, Hanukkah will begin on the eve of Sunday, December 12th, and end on the eve of Monday, December 20th.Table of Contents
Rituals and Traditions
Lighting the Menorah
The menorah is the most prominent symbol of Hanukkah. It is a branch-shaped candelabra with nine holders – one for each of the eight nights, plus a ninth for the shamash (the helper candle that is used to light the others). A traditional menorah is lit after nightfall in a private home or public place of worship.
Eating Latkes and Sufganiyot
Eating is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration. Latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are the most popular traditional foods associated with Hanukkah.
Spinning the Dreidel
Spinning the dreidel is a traditional game that is played during Hanukkah. It is a game of chance that can be played by children or adults. Each player is given a collection of tokens or coins. The players must spin the four-sided top (called a dreidel) to reveal a letter. Depending on which letter they get, they must either take or add tokens to the pot. The game is traditionally played with a mix of chocolate coins, jelly beans, nuts or raisins.
Giving Presents
Gifts are often given during Hanukkah. Parents often treat their children to presents or give them money (called gelt). This tradition is believed to have originated in eastern and central Europe in the 18th century.
In conclusion, Hanukkah is a time of celebration and joy that is shared by Jews around the world. It is a time to remember the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians and the rededication of the Second Temple in 164 BCE. During this eight-day holiday, people light the menorah, eat traditional foods and play the game of dreidel. Gifts are typically exchanged throughout the celebration and it’s a time to enjoy special moments together with family and friends.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.