Hanukkah is a festival of lights celebrated for eight days and nights by Jews around the world. It commemorates the miraculous defeat of an oppressive king who outlawed Judaism, and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. During Hanukkah, Jews commemorate and celebrate the rededication by the lighting of the Menorah, playing a special dice game, and exchanging gifts. But have you ever wondered what the eight days of celebration are actually about?
The Story Behind Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the power of faith. In 167 BCE, the land of Judea, then a part of the Seleucid Empire, was occupied by Hellenistic (Greek) forces led by King Antiochus IV. To solidify his control over Judea, he outlawed the practice of Judaism, desecrating the holy Temple in Jerusalem and replacing its practices with those of the Greek gods. A small group of zealots led by Mattathias and his sons, called the Maccabees, refused to comply with the king’s orders and began a defensive revolt against his forces.
After a long, hard-fought battle, the Maccabees defeated the oppressive forces and rededicated the Temple. Legend has it that, when they lit the Menorah in the Temple, only one day’s worth of oil was found but miraculously, it lasted for eight days.
The Symbolism Behind Hanukkah
During Hanukkah, Jews celebrate the story of the Maccabees’ miraculous victory in a number of ways. A menorah is lit each night for eight nights and special blessings are recited to remember the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. A dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is used to play a game of chance that symbolizes the Jews’ struggle to practice their faith in secret during the reign of King Antiochus IV.
Children often look forward to exchanging small gifts, called Hanukkah gelt, with each other and enjoying sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts that are especially popular during Hanukkah.
The 8 Days of Hanukkah
The eight days of Hanukkah symbolize the eight miraculous days that the oil burned, as well as the eight-day struggle against oppression. It is a festival of celebration that is open to everyone, regardless of faith. It is a time to be grateful, to show love and kindness to others, and to celebrate with friends and family.
Hanukkah is a powerful reminder every year that, when confronted with intolerance and adversity, we can rely on our faith, the strength of our convictions, and each other to come out on top. Celebrating Hanukkah allows us to look back and reflect on the story of the Maccabees, who fought against injustice and oppression – and won.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.