Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated every year to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. This holiday is celebrated for eight days and nights. Celebrating Hanukkah involves attending parties, exchanging gifts, eating traditional foods, and lighting the Hanukkah menorah. Here is a look at what you can do to celebrate Hanukkah.
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Light the Hanukkah Menorah
The Hanukkah menorah, also known as the Chanukkiah or Hanukkiah, is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit for eight nights during Hanukkah. Each night, an additional candle is lit. There are a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to choose from for a Hanukkah menorah. Traditional menorahs are made of metal, but you can also find electric, plastic, pewter, or ceramic Hanukkah menorahs.
Blessings for Lighting the Menorah
When lighting the menorah, a blessing is recited. On the first night of Hanukkah, two blessings are said before lighting the Hanukkah menorah: one blessing is said before lighting the Shamash, which is the ”helper candle.” The blessings are as follows:
- Blessing Before Lighting the Shamash: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
- Blessing Before Lighting the Other Candles: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, she-asah Nisim la-avoteinu bayamim haheym baz’man ha-ze.
Gift Giving
Gift giving during Hanukkah also symbolizes the Jewish faith and its celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Some families may exchange gifts on each of the eight nights, while others may choose to participate by giving gifts on only the first night. Giving gifts of money, known as ganzey mazalot, is another popular custom during Hanukkah. Games, such as the four-sided top called a dreidel, are also given as gifts during this joyous holiday.
Traditional Foods
One of the best ways to celebrate Hanukkah is by cooking and eating traditional recipes. People enjoy making and eating foods from around the world that were inspired by different Jewish cultures. Fried foods are an important part of most holidays, and Hanukkah is no exception. Foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are served on the holiday and there is a blessing recited before eating them.
Holidays Parties
Another way to celebrate Hanukkah is to join with family and friends and attend holiday parties. Parties are a great way to catch up with friends, try new recipes, and exchange gifts. Most Hanukkah parties have some sort of game or activity to keep everyone entertained. Games such as a Dreidel tournament or guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar are popular at these gatherings.
Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday that celebrates traditions, new and old. Through lighting the Hanukkah menorah, exchanging gifts, and eating traditional foods, people of all cultures and religions are able to come together and celebrate in a meaningful way. No matter how you choose to celebrate Hanukkah, it is an important holiday that should be enjoyed with friends, family, and the Jewish community.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.