Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated by numerous cultures around the world, but what country does it actually come from? The holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the liberation of Jerusalem from the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE. It is a Jewish holiday, first and foremost, but it is celebrated by people from various cultures, religious denominations, and traditions.
Hanukkah officially comes from Israel, the only state where Jews have sovereignty. Although the holiday originated in what is now Israel, and is celebrated by Israeli Jews, it is not a strictly Israeli holiday; rather, it is celebrated by Jews around the world.
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Origin of the Festival of Lights
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the story of Hanukkah begins in 168 BCE, when the Jewish high priest, Mattathias, led a revolt against the Greek Seleucid Empire, with the goal of reclaiming Jewish independence. After Mattathias’ death, his son Judah the Maccabee took command of the army and ultimately succeeded in freeing Jerusalem and rededicating the Temple; this event is commemorated on Hanukkah. It is believed that during this rededication, there was only enough oil to light the Temple menorah for one day; miraculously, this oil burned for eight days, hence the eight-day celebration.
Jewish, but Not Necessarily Israeli
Although Hanukkah is an enormously important Jewish holiday, it is not specifically an Israeli holiday. It is celebrated by Jews in many other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world. Jews in Israel celebrate Hanukkah, but this holiday is not only or even particularly Israeli, as it is not a holiday that has been instituted in Israel alone.
Celebrating Hanukkah in Different Ways
Hanukkah is celebrated in different ways in different places. In Israel, Hanukkah is a festive holiday, celebrated with the recitation of special prayers, the taking of special gifts, and the eating of traditional Jewish dishes. Elsewhere, Jews often celebrate Hanukkah in a variety of ways, including lighting a special candelabrum (or Hanukiyah), spinning a four-sided spinning top (or dreidel), and exchanging gifts.
A Truly Global Holiday
Hanukkah is an ancient holiday, but it is also a global one. People of many cultures, religious denominations, and traditions celebrate Hanukkah in different ways – from Israelis to Americans and others – and Hanukkah has been embraced by diverse communities across the world.
In conclusion, Hanukkah comes from Israel, but it is celebrated by Jews of many cultures, religious denominations, and traditions. Each community celebrates the holiday in its own unique way, from the festive celebrations and traditional Jewish dishes of Israel to the lighting of menorahs and spinning of dreidels throughout the world. As a truly global holiday, Hanukkah is an important part of many cultures’ heritage, traditions, and celebrations.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.