Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, taking place each year in December. This year, the eight-day observance begins at sundown on December 10th and ends at sundown on December 18th.
Hanukkah celebrates a significant religious and political event in Jewish history: the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem 167 B.C. after it was desecrated by Antiochus, a Syrian ruler. According to the legend, only one day’s worth of ritual oil was found to light the Temple’s menorah, when eight days were needed. Miraculously, the small amount of oil burned for eight days. This is why the eight-day Festival of Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of a special nine-branched menorah.The Story Behind Hanukkah
The story behind Hanukkah involves the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish warriors who opposed the Syrian ruler Antiochus’ attempts to destroy the Jewish religion and institute Greek ways. After rebelling against Antiochus, the Maccabees restored the Temple in Jerusalem and wanted to rededicate it. When they lit the menorah, however, they found they had only one day’s worth of ritual oil to fuel the lamps, when eight days’ worth was needed.
The Miracle of Hanukkah
Miraculously, the oil in the menorah lasted for eight days. This is celebrated as the Miracle of Hanukkah: a reminder that God is always with us.
How Hanukkah is Celebrated
Every evening of Hanukkah, the menorah is lit and blessings are said. There are also special Hanukkah prayers and traditional foods that are eaten.
- Fried foods are served to remind us of the miracle of the oil.
- The most popular food is potato pancakes, called latkes.
- Many families also enjoy sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled doughnuts.
Games of chance such as the dreidel are also played on Hanukkah, usually with chocolate coins or gelt.
Hanukkah is a time to celebrate Jewish culture and tradition. It is the perfect time to come together with your family and friends for lots of eating and activities. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on the 10th of December and ends at sundown on the 18th of December. As you light the menorah and enjoy the delicious traditional foods, remember the miracle of Hanukkah.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.