Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday of rededication, commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians in 164 BCE. During Hanukkah, families light the Hanukkah menorah, eat traditional foods, play games, and exchange gifts. Hanukkah is a time for families to celebrate and there are many beloved traditions associated with the holiday.
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Lighting Candles On the Hanukkah Menorah
The primary ritual associated with Hanukkah is the lighting of the eight-candle Hanukkah menorah. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the menorah. On the subsequent days of the holiday, one more candle is added until all eight candles are lit. A special candle, called the shamash is used as the “helper” candle.
Eating Traditional Foods
During Hanukkah it is customary to eat foods cooked in oil. The most traditional dish is latkes – savory or sweet pancakes made with potato and usually served with applesauce or sour cream. Additional popular dishes include sufganiyot (doughnuts), which many people also prefer to fill with jam or custard.
Playing Dreidel Games
A popular Hanukkah pastime is the dreidel game which uses a four-sided spinning top (the dreidel) marked with the Hebrew letters נ, ג, ה and ש (Nun, Gimmel, Hei, and Shin) to bet on with chocolate coins, nuts, raisins, or pennies. Players win or lose depending on the letter that appears when the dreidel stops spinning.
Gift-Giving
Gift giving during Hanukkah is less common than during other holidays, since the holiday is about rededication. Some families practice Hanukkah gelt, a tradition in which children are given chocolate coins or money to celebrate the holiday. Another custom is to give small gifts, such as socks, books, games or LEGOs.
Hanukkah is a special holiday with a variety of traditions. On the first night, families light the Hanukkah menorah and add additional candles during the holiday. As part of the celebration, traditional foods like latkes and sufgangiyot are eaten, games are played, and gifts are exchanged. Hanukkah is thus a time for families to come together and commemorate the miracle of the Maccabees’ success.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.