Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights celebrated for 8 days in the winter. It is a joyous event filled with the lighting of the menorah, traditional food recipes, gift-giving, and its traditional dreidel game. But unfortunately, no celebration is without certain customs and rules that cannot be bypassed. During the festivity of Hanukkah, there are a few things that cannot be done.
The most important observance for Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, the 9-branched candelabra that holds oil-burning candles. On each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit. While this is the central focus of the holiday, other religious practices and food-preparations are included. The Hanukkah tradition also involves the prohibition of certain activities such as work, fasting, and taking pity on oneself. Although it is a “Festival of Lights”, there are many things you simply cannot do during Hanukkah.
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Forbidden Activities During Hanukkah
Fasting
During Hanukkah, traditional mourning practices are forbidden since there is an emphasis on joy and celebration. Therefore, fasting and certain forms of mourning, such as removing or tearing clothing, are not allowed on the Festival of Lights.
Self-Affliction
At this particular time of year, taking pity on oneself is not permitted. Self-affliction, which includes refraining from activities typically done with joy, is also not allowed.
Work
The practice of refraining from work is observed on the first day of Hanukkah. It is customary to cease from all activities such as business, travel, and more demanding medical procedures.
Public Display of Joy
While Hanukkah is a festive event, there are certain limits imposed on the demonstrations of joy. Talmudic law forbids publicly displaying joy on a particular day during Hanukkah, unless certain conditions are met. This is because the Talmud says that ‘in the times of the Ancient Temple’ certain festivities were also conducted.
Inappropriate Gifts
Due to the prohibition of taking pity on oneself on Hanukkah, it is common custom to not give gifts that might be insulting, such as kitchen supplies. It is seen as an activity that engenders feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Some other activities that are discouraged during Hanukkah include:
- Buying used household items
- Visiting graveyards
- Organizing family or business affairs
- Inviting a mourner to a Hanukkah meal
- Preparing food containing meat from a young animal
- Scheduling medical treatments without approval from a Rabbi
During this time of year it is important to know the proper customs and laws of celebrating Hanukkah. It should be remembered that although there are limitations on activities during Hanukkah, the purpose of the holiday is still one of joy and celebration. Knowing the meaning behind each of the restrictions, as well as learning the customs and laws, will help make Hanukkah a meaningful and festive holiday for all.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.