Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC. The eight-day festival begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and is celebrated through the lighting of candles on a candelabra known as the Menorah. But, what other symbols are associated with Hanukkah?
<h2>The Menorah </h2>
The Menorah is the traditional symbol of Hanukkah. It is a candelabra made of either metal or glass, usually with eight branches and a ninth designed to hold the shamash or “servant” candle that is used to light the others. The branches symbolize the eight days that the sacred oil burned. Menorahs are lit each night of Hanukkah beginning with the shamash, which is placed in the ninth branch.
<h3>The Dreidel </h3>
Another common Hanukkah symbol is the Dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. According to tradition, during Greek and Syrian persecutions of Jews, children were forbidden to perform religious rituals. To avoid detection, they began playing with dreidels to distract potential onlookers. The four letters inscribed on the sides of the dreidel mean “nah,” “gimel,” “heh,” and “shin” respectively, which add up to the phrase “A great miracle happened here.”
<h3>The Latke </h3>
The Latke, also known as a potato pancake, is a traditional Hanukkah food. It is said that Latkes became a symbol of Hanukkah many centuries ago because Jews used this food to sustain themselves during the Maccabean Revolt. Making Latkes is a popular activity for families during the Hanukkah season.
<h3>The Chocolate Gelt </h3>
Often referred to as Chanukah gelt, it is traditional for adults to give children small coins usually made of chocolate, as a gesture to commemorate the donation of coins used to The Second Temple in Jewish scriptures. Chocolate gelt has become one of the most important symbols of Hanukkah due to its association with giving and reward.
In conclusion, each of these symbols serves as a reminder of the miracle and spirit of Hanukkah. Celebrated annually by millions of Jews around the world, Hanukkah is an occasion for coming together, praying, reflecting, and of course, playing dreidel and eating plenty of latkes!
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.