Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights and is celebrated around the world. The holiday is observed for eight days and nights, and is an annual form of celebration and joy. Hanukkah has its origin in a redemptive part of Jewish history that is symbolized by a special nine-branched candelabrum, or Hanukkiah. It serves as a reminder of when a large population of Jews revolted against the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed and rededicated their sacred temple in Jerusalem. The holiday of Hanukkah has since become a symbol of hope and peace.
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The Meaning of the Word Hanukkah
The term “Hanukkah” is derived from the Hebrew word “ḥanukkah” which means “dedication.” The Hebrew word “ḥanukkah” is also derived from the root word “ḥinnukh,” which means “institution” or “establishment.” Thus, Hanukkah is the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the institution of the Festival of Lights.
In the Hebrew Bible, the Maccabees fought and won a significant victory to regain the Temple of Jerusalem and re-institute the proper practices of Jewish worship. This event is recounted and celebrated every year during Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights.
The Story of Hanukkah
The story of Hanukkah is alluded to in 148 BCE by the Jewish historian, Josephus. The story explains how Judah Maccabee led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire in order to restore religious freedom to the Jews. This occurred at the Temple of Jerusalem and marked the rededication of the temple after the victory against the Seleucids.
During this period following the victory, the Jews were said to have found that the holy oil – which was held in a temple lamp - had only been sufficient to burn for one day. Surprisingly, legend tells that the oil actually burned for eight days, allowing the Maccabees to prepare a new batch of oil for the Menorah. This miracle is seen as an answer from God and celebrated during the Festival of Lights.
The Menorah
The Menorah is a nine-branched candelabra, with eight branches symbolizing the eight days the oil miraculously lasted. Each night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit and the menorah is placed in a window or doorway. The ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is placed in the center and its purpose is to light the other candles. Every night on Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit. On the eighth night, the menorah is said to be fully lit up.
The Customs and Traditions of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is celebrated through a few traditions, one of them being the exchange of gifts. This is thought to have its origins in the giving of coins to mark the rededication of the Temple. The tradition has since evolved in to exchanging gifts, as many children receive presents on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.
The other custom associated with Hanukkah are special pastries called “latkes” and “sufganiyot”. Latkes are potato pancakes fried in oil, while sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts. Both of these pastries are reminders of the miracle of the burning oil in the temple. Other Hanukkah activities include lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and baking Hanukkah cookies.
Hanukkah is an important part of Jewish history and culture. It is a time to reflect on the resilience of the Jewish people and the power of faith and freedom. The miracle of Hanukkah is celebrated every year through the lighting of the menorah and the exchange of festive food and gifts. Ultimately, Hanukkah continues to be a symbol of hope and peace.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.