▷ How To Celebrate First Day Of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays of the year, and for good reason. It commemorates a miracle of the Maccabees, a family of Jews who rose up against the oppressive rule of Antiochus IV in 165 BCE. The holiday also marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Every year, Jewish families all around the world enjoy eight days of celebration in honor of this event. On the first day of Hanukkah, families gather together to light the menorah and eat special traditional foods. Here are some tips for celebrating the first day of Hanukkah and making it a day to remember.

Lighting the Menorah

On the first night of Hanukkah, the menorah, or nine-branched candelabra, is lit. Usually, the menorah is lit in the home but can also be lit at a synagogue. First, the Shamash, the helper candle located in the middle of the menorah, is lit with a match. Then the Shamash is used to light the first candle on the far right of the menorah. A special Hebrew prayer is said before lighting each of the candles every night of the holiday. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. Each night after that, an additional candle is lit until all eight candles are burning on the eighth night.

Eating Traditional Foods

It is traditional to eat foods fried in oil during Hanukkah, such as potato latkes (pancakes) and jelly donuts. These fried foods are eaten to remember the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights as the Temple was being rededicated.

Celebratory Activities

In addition to eating traditional foods, there are also various fun activities that Jewish families can do to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Families can play dreidel, a spinning top with four sides that represent Hebrew letters. Dreidel games involve spinning the top and guessing which side will come up. As the sides are revealed, players either put items in or take items out of a common pot. Other festive activities include singing traditional Hanukkah songs like “Maoz Tzur” and exchanging gifts.

Celebrating the first night of Hanukkah is a great way to join in on the eight days of joyous observance. Families come together in homes to light the menorah, eat and share traditional food, and take part in fun activities like playing dreidel and exchanging gifts. By doing these things, the miracle of the rededication of the Temple is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.