Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration for the Jewish people. It celebrates the victory of the ancient Israelites who reclaimed their temple after a long period of foreign rule. This 8-day event is full of special rituals that represent the spirit of the holiday, and remind us of the power of faith, hope, and resilience. From lighting the menorah, to exchanging gifts, to eating fried treats, here’s what people do in Hanukkah.
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Religious Rituals and Festivities
Lighting the Menorah
The menorah is an iconic symbol of the Jewish faith. Each day of Hanukkah, one extra candle is added to the menorah in the evening. On the first night, a blessings and candles are lit by the parent or grandparent present in the home. As each day passes and an extra candle is lit, it marks a new day in the festival where people celebrate and give thanks for their freedom.
Spinning the Dreidel
Spinning the dreidel is a popular tradition of Hanukkah. This spinning top comes with four Hebrew letters which stand for “a great miracle happened here”. Kids play with the dreidel by spinning it and hoping it will land on the letter Nun, which means they get to keep all of the chips or candies that were being used as money during the game. It is said that the dreidel game is a reminder of how Jewish teachers kept their students inspired and hopeful during the religious oppression of the time.
Fried Delicacies
The fried treats of Hanukkah are the most beloved part of the festival. Fried treats have been part of the celebration ever since it was first observed. One of the most popular dishes is a type of doughnut called sufganiyot, which is made with a sweet yeast-based dough and filled with strawberry jam, chocolate or any other type of spread. Each sufganiyot usually has a piece of dried fruit inside to represent the oil which was used to light the temple’s eternal flame.
In addition to sufganiyot, latkes are also very popular. This is a type of potato pancake which is made with shredded potatoes, onions, salt, pepper, and eggs. It is then fried until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Some like to top it off with applesauce or sour cream, while others keep it simple and enjoy it as is.
Exchanging Gifts
Exchanging gifts is also a big part of Hanukkah. Giving gifts is a popular tradition which is said to be derived from the story of Judah Maccabee, a Jewish leader who rallied the troops to reclaim the temple and was also given gifts by his supporters. On each day of Hanukkah, children receive a gift from their family and friends, which can range from money to toys. These gifts are a reminder that Hanukkah is a time to remember the power of hope and the importance of fighting for freedom.
Hanukkah is an important part of the Jewish faith and is celebrated with a range of traditions. From the lighting of the menorah, to spinning the dreidel, to enjoying fried treats, to exchanging gifts, each Hanukkah celebration is unique and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people and the power of faith.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.