Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and eight nights. It commemorates the miracle of a small jar of oil lasting for eight days to provide enough light for the Maccabees to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the menorah, eating foods cooked in oil, and playing games with the dreidel. But what else is there to know about this Jewish holiday? Let’s explore some interesting facts about Hanukkah.
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The date changes every year
Hanukkah always falls on the 25th day of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. This is usually in November or December of the Gregorian calendar. This can make it difficult for schools and places of business to plan around the holiday.
The word Hanukkah means “dedication”
The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” translates to “dedication”. This is fitting for the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah’s Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is referred to as the “Festival of Lights” because of the tradition of lighting the menorah. Each night, a new candle is lit in addition to the candles lit on previous nights. On the first night, only one candle is lit, but on the final night, all nine of the candles are lit.
Gift giving on Hanukkah
In the past, Jews would donate charity to commemorate Hanukkah to honor the Maccabees’ acts of charity. Today, it has become common for friends and family to exchange gifts to celebrate the holiday.
Playing with the dreidel
One of Hanukkah’s most popular games is the dreidel. Kids and adults alike play with the four-sided top for fun and to win chocolate coins. The dreidel is a symbol of the miracle of Hanukkah, as it starts with no power, but eventually spins with the simple flick of a wrist.
Sufganiyot, the Hanukkah donuts
One of the traditional Jewish treats on Hanukkah is a jelly-filled donut, known as sufganiyot. The dough is fried in oil in commemoration of the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
Hanukkah is a minor festival
Despite its popularity, Hanukkah is considered a minor festival and is not mandatory for observant Jews. It is recommended that they commemorate the holiday with festive meals, gifts, and songs, but in the end, it remains a matter of personal choice.
Hanukkah is a joyous and festive holiday for Jews all over the world. It is celebrated with an eight-day commemoration of the miraculous lighting of the temple candles, a tradition which has been passed down through generations. Though many aspects of the holiday have become more commercialized over the years, the traditional practices of charity, gift-giving, and playing games with the dreidel remain a mainstay of this important and meaningful holiday.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.