Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday lasting eight nights and celebrated in December each year. As one of the most meaningful Jewish holidays, it’s steeped in traditions practiced by Jews throughout the world. Here are five of the most common Hanukkah traditions and their meanings.
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1. Lighting the Menorah
The most recognizable and important Hanukkah tradition is lighting the menorah. It’s a nine-branched candelabrum, and each night of Hanukkah one more candle or oil lamp is lit until all eight are illuminated. It’s common for families to light the same menorah each year, and it has the power to bring past memories into the present moment. Jews from around the world light the menorah to commemorate the Maccabees’ victory.
2. Eating Jewish Foods
Hanukkah is a time to gather with friends and family and devour traditional Jewish holiday meals. Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are two of the best-known Hanukkah staples you’ll see on most family dinner tables. Cooking and sharing meals together is a meaningful way to bring the generations together.
3. Spinning the Dreidel
Spinning the dreidel is a popular Hanukkah game. A four-sided top with Hebrew letters etched on each side, the dreidel is used to spin for chance-based winnings (the candy or gelt used in the game). Its symbolism is deep-seated and connects to the Maccabean uprisings much like many other Jewish holidays.
4. Gift-Giving and Money Donation
Gift-giving is a common Hanukkah tradition; friends, family, and loved ones exchange gifts. In addition to commerce exchange, it’s not uncommon for children to receive money (in the form of crisp $2 bills) from relatives and elders. This money, also known as gelt, is used in the famous Dreidel game. Money received during the holiday is often donated to charities or those in need.
5. Singing Hanukkah Songs
A. “Maoz Tzur”
One of the most notable Hanukkah songs is “Maoz Tzur”, a traditional Jewish hymn sung near the end of Chanukah. Considered a festival prayer, it celebrates how God helped the Maccabees reclaim the Temple from the Greeks.
B. “I Have a Little Dreidel”
This popular folk song, thought to have originated in Germany, is sung by children and adults alike during the holiday season. It celebrates the Hanukkah tradition of playing with the dreidel and reinforces the feeling of unity with Jewish friends and family.
Hanukkah is always full of traditions, memories, and fun. From lighting the menorah to singing Hebrew hymns like “Maoz Tzur”, Hanukkah is a holiday that brings together all ages, from young children to grandparents. From delicious foods to spinning games and money donation, the five traditions of Hanukkah give people a chance to pause and enjoy the company of loved ones while celebrating their heritage.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.