▷ What Are Some Symbols Of Hanukkah And What Do They Represent?

Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of Jerusalem’s Temple after a successful revolt against the Syrian-Greeks. While the festival of light lasts for eight days, there is strong symbolism underlying the holiday. Common symbols of Hanukkah such as the menorah, the dreidel and Hanukkah gelt are all reminders of the ancient victory.

The menorah is a candelabra with nine branches and is the most important symbol of Hanukkah. One candle on the menorah, which is known as the shamash, is used to light the other eight candles each night of the holiday. Traditionally, the shamash is placed either above or below the other candles. This candle is also used to light the others, which symbolizes the importance of the miracle of the rededication of Jerusalem’s Temple. Each of the eight candles symbolize the eight nights of the Festival of Lights.

The Four Letters

During Hanukkah, it is common to play a game with a four-sided spinning top known as the dreidel. The sides of the dreidel feature four letters in Hebrew: nun, gimel, hei and shin. These letters stand for the Hebrew phrase “Nes gadol hayah sham,” meaning “a great miracle happened there.” These letters convey that although the miracle of rededication was performed in Jerusalem, it is still a miracle for all Jews.

Gelt

Currency is a central symbol during the Festival of Lights. Gelt is the Yiddish word for money and is a traditional part of Hanukkah. Though the currency has evolved over time, the people of the Maccabean era used coins to help rebuild the temple. These coins serve as reminder for people to be generous and give charity during Hanukkah.

Latkes and Sufganiyot

Latkes and Sufganiyot are two popular traditional Hanukkah dishes. Latkes are potato pancakes, and Sufganiyot are jelly doughnuts both fried in oil. Seen as symbols of the miracle of oil, these dishes play a major role in the holiday of Hanukkah.

In this article, we discussed what some of the symbols of Hanukkah are and what they represent. From the menorah, to the dreidel, to the gelt, to the traditional Hanukkah dishes such as latkes and sufganiyot, all of these symbols and dishes tell a story of the miracle of rededication of Jerusalem’s Temple. Hanukkah is a holiday that invites us to reflect on the past, but also to be generous in acts of charity and give thanks for the blessings we have today.

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