The 8 days of Hanukkah celebrate the miracle of a single cruse of oil burning for 8 days during the Maccabees victory over the Greeks. It is a reminder of the importance of faith and perseverance, and honors the triumphant return of the Jews to their homeland. The 8 days of Hanukkah also celebrate the restoration of the Holy Temple where religious services and sacrifices to God flourished. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Hanukkah and its 8 days of celebration.
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What Does Hanukkah Mean?
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of dedication that celebrates the momentous Maccabean victory over Greece and the reclamation of the Holy Temple. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, because of the miracle of the single cruse of oil that continued to burn in the temple for 8 days. The word “chanukah” means “dedication” in Hebrew.
Why Are There 8 Days of Hanukkah?
The 8 days of Hanukkah commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple after the Maccabees’ valiant victory over the Greek forces. It is believed that the cruse of oil, enough only to last for a single day, miraculously lasted for 8 days, thus making it twice as long as the celebration necessitates.
What Is Celebrated During the 8 Days of Hanukkah?
Lighting of the Menorah
Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit in the nine-branched menorah, of which eight are for the eight days of Hanukkah. On the first night, all eight of the menorah branches are lit as much of the light of the menorah is needed to celebrate the “rededication of the temple”.
Playing Dreidel
Playing dreidel is a Hanukkah celebration game that has become popular all over the world. A dreidel is a spinning top with four Hebrew letters written on it. Players put candies or coins in a pile and each takes turns spinning the dreidel. Depending on what letter side it lands, each player either adds to the pile, takes all the pieces in the pile, takes half, or puts another piece in the pile.
Giving Gifts and Eating Foods
The 8 days of Hanukkah are also a time of family gatherings, eating special foods, and gift giving. Gifts are often given each night or on the last day, while young children usually get gifts every night. Special foods which are eaten during the 8 days of Hanukkah are called ‘hanukkah foods’. The most popular traditional Hanukkah foods are Latkes and Sufganiyot, which are potato pancakes and jelly-filled doughnuts.
Hanukkah has become one of the world’s most beloved holidays and is celebrated all over the world. It is a reminder of historical triumph as much as it is a spiritual celebration. The 8 days of Hanukkah are filled with peace, prayer, family, tradition, friends, food, and celebration. It is a special time, even for those who don’t celebrate it, for it is a reminder that miracles happen to those who have faith, and perseverance can conquer all.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.