Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. Traditionally, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, starting on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and ending on the second day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. Hanukkah is often translated into English as “dedication,” as in the dedication of the temple. But what does Hanukkah mean in the Hebrew language?
The Hebrew word Hanukkah “לַחֲנֻכָּה” (pronounced “lah-kha-noo-KHAH”) has its origins in the verb “חָנַךְ” (pronounced “khah-NAKH”). This verb means “to educate,” “to dedicate,” or “to initiate.” To better understand this verb, it helps to take a look at the different forms of the verb “חָנַךְ”.Table of Contents
The Different Forms of the Hebrew Verb “חָנַךְ”
The Niphal Form of the Verb
The Niphal form of the verb “חָנַךְ” is “נִחַנְךָ” (pronounced “nee-KHAN-khah”). This form is used when the verb is passive. This means that someone is having something done to them. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:7 we read:
“וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-בְּתֹם וּעַל-מְזוּזֹתֵיכֶם וּעַל-מִבְצָרֹתֵיכֶם”
The verb “כָּתַב”, in this verse, is in the Niphal form. The literal translation of the verse is “And you shall have it written upon your doorposts and upon your gates.” Here, the verb “כָּתַב” is in the Niphal form, meaning that the Israelites are having something done to them (have it written).
The Hiphil Form of the Verb
The Hiphil form of the verb “חָנַךְ” is “הִחְנַךְ” (pronounced “hee-KHAN-khah”). This form is used when the verb is active. This means that someone is doing something to someone else. For example, in Deuteronomy 30:19 we read:
“הִחְנַךְ אֶת-לְבָבְךָ לְיִרְאָה אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹר אֶת-כָּל-חֻקֹּיו”
The verb “הִחְנַךְ”, in this verse, is in the Hiphil form. The literal translation of the verse is “And you should have your heart dedicated to the fear of the LORD your God, to keep all of His decrees.” Here, the verb “הִחְנַךְ” is in the Hiphil form, meaning that the Israelites are doing something to someone else (dedicating their hearts).
The Piel Form of the Verb
The Piel form of the verb “חָנַךְ” is “חִנְּךָ” (pronounced “kheen-KHAH”). This form is used to emphasize the action of the verb. It is often translated as “to dedicate with great enthusiasm.” For example, in 1 Kings 8:63 we read:
“וַיְחַנֵּךְ כָּל-יִשְׂרָאֵל–כֹּל הָעָם–חֶמְדָּה מְאֹד, אֵת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה”
The verb “יְחַנֵּךְ”, in this verse, is in the Piel form. The literal translation of the verse is “And all Israel, the entire people, dedicated this House with great joy.” Here, the verb “יְחַנֵּךְ” is in the Piel form, meaning that the Israelites dedicated the House with great enthusiasm.
The Meaning of the Verb “חָנַךְ”
The verb “חָנַךְ” can mean “to educate,” “to dedicate,” or “to initiate.” The root of the word “Hanukkah” (“חָנַךְ”) is an action verb, which means that it is describing an action. The action being described here is that of dedication or initiation. Thus, the meaning of the word “Hanukkah” in the Hebrew language is “to dedicate” or “to initiate.”
Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and in the Hebrew language it is referred to as “לַחֲנֻכָּה” (“lah-kha-noo-KHAH”). This word is derived from the verb “חָנַךְ” (“khah-NAKH”), which can mean “to educate,” “to dedicate,” or “to initiate.” Therefore, Hanukkah literally means “dedication” or “initiation” in Hebrew.
During this special holiday, Jews around the world take the time to remember and commemorate the courage and bravery of the Maccabees who fought for the freedom to practice their religion. Hanukkah is a time of celebration and joy, with special rituals, foods, and activities that bring the family together. It is a reminder to be strong and persevere despite the many obstacles life may present.
Hanukkah is a time to reflect on the many blessings in life and to appreciate the privilege of religious freedom. While the exact origins of the holiday remain a mystery, it is certain that Hanukkah has become a beloved tradition in the Jewish faith.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.