Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated from the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar, to the 2nd or 3rd day of Tevet, the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar, of the next year. This eight-day festival is also known as Chanukah, Feast of Dedication, or the Feast of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, rededicated during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid empire in the 2nd century BC. While there are religious and political connections to the origin of the holiday, over time more cultural activities have been added that have become associated with the holiday.
One of the most beloved symbols of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. The menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum lit each night during the 8 days to commemorate the eight day miracle of a single jar of oil lasting to light the Temple’s lamp. Each night, an additional candle is lit until all nine are lit on the 8th night. A ninth candle, called a Shamash, is used to light them and is put in a higher or lower position than the other candles.
Other important rituals associated with Hanukkah are the spinning of the dreidel and eating of special holiday treats. The dreidel is a four-sided top bearing a Hebrew letter on each side. During the Maccabean revolt, Jews who were caught studying Torah would spin the dreidel to fool their captors into thinking it was just a game. Today, it is traditional to spin the dreidel and play for chocolate coins. Special treats for Hanukkah include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts).
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday and many families like to play traditional songs and recite prayers, decorate the home with blue and white, the colors of Hanukkah, and put up decorations like a Hanukkiah and magnetic menorah. Hanukkah gelt, foil-wrapped chocolate coins, are often given to children by adults.
Hanukkah is a holiday with many traditions and activities. Lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, eating traditional treats, playing and singing Hanukkah songs, decorating the home and giving gelt all play a part in the celebration of Hanukkah. Its rich cultural and religious heritage is part of what makes Hanukkah a uniquely special holiday.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.