Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Temple after a successful revolt. It is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. This eight-day festival, usually occurring in either November or December, begins at sundown on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and ends on the 2nd day of the Apocalyptic month of Tevet.
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights, beginning at sundown on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and ending on the 2nd day of the Apocalyptic month of Tevet. It is considered a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar and is celebrated by many different countries and cultures around the world.What Is the History of Hanukkah?
The story of Hanukkah begins when the Syrian-Greeks took over Palestine and the Second Temple in Jerusalem. They wanted everyone to worship Greek gods, but a small Jewish sect, called the Maccabees, wouldn’t allow it. After revolting against the Syrians, the Maccabees reclaimed the temple and rededicated it to its true God. Jews around the world celebrate this victory every year on Hanukkah.
The story of Hanukkah does not end with the Maccabees’ victory. When the Maccabees arrived at the temple, they expected to find enough oil to keep the menorah burning for a single night. Miraculously, a single jar of oil lasted for eight days and nights! To celebrate this miraculous divine intervention, Jews around the world light candles for eight days and nights.
How Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the menorah, or Hanukkiah, for eight nights, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev. Each night, one more candle is lit, until all eight candles have been lit on the eighth night. It is traditional to add an extra candle each night, which is called the shamash, or helper candle.
On Hanukkah, it is customary to exchange gifts, play with a four-sided top called a dreidel, and enjoy special Hanukkah treats. Eating special fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), is a well-known Hanukkah tradition.
As we can see, Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration of the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian-Greeks, and the miraculous oil that burned for eight days. It is an occasion for Jews all around the world to come together and celebrate the inseparable bond between themselves and their Creator.
The celebration of Hanukkah is symbolic of the Jewish resilience and is a reminder to us all to never give up on our beliefs. Today, we celebrate Hanukkah in much the same way it has been celebrated for centuries — with lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and eating festive treats.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.