Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is an eight-day long Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees. Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah has its own customs and meanings that add to the spirit of the holiday.
The first night of Hanukkah is the lighting of a special nine-branched menorah or hanukiah. Each night, an additional candle is lit, starting with the shammash or helper candle. The hanukiah is a symbol of the biblical story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the Hanukkah oil that burned for eight days. The hanukiah also has a secondary significance, as a symbol of hope and faith in the face of adversity.To celebrate each day of the Hanukkah holiday, families might also light a ceremonial Hanukkah-style fire and sing traditional Hanukkah songs. Specific activities and rituals may vary from family to family, but all revolve around the lighting of the hanukiah.
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Day One – Nes Gadol Haya Sham
Day one of Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. This day is marked with the lighting of the hanukiah and the saying of the traditional blessing: “Nes Gadol Haya Sham — A great miracle happened there.” This first lighting is the most important of the eight-day holiday.
Day Two – Nerot Sha’avu Otanu
The second day of Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Menorah, which the Maccabees had repaired and rekindled for eight days. As with the first night, two blessings are said: “Nerot Sha’avu Otanu — Our ancestors’ lights were given to us” and “Na’aseh v’nishmah —We will do and we will understand.”
Days Three to Seven
Days three to seven of Hanukkah are special but not as significant as the first and second nights. The blessings are the same except for day seven, when the Sheheheyanu is recited, as this is the last and longest night. During these seven days, Jewish families will take time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Popular pastime activities may include playing dreidel, exchanging gifts, singing songs, deciding on a Hanukkah theme for decorations, or making a special Hanukkah meal.
Day Eight – These Are The Eight Days of Hanukkah
On the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, the third blessing is added to the recital. It reads, “Maoz Tzur — Rock of ages.” The blessing recalls the Maccabees’ victory over their foes and is a reminder for the Jewish people to continue fighting for freedom. This day is also known as “Zot Hanukkah.”
Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish pride, strength, and resilience. It commemorates the struggle and victory of the Maccabees against a powerful enemy. The lighting of the hanukiah each day for eight days symbolizes the miraculous event that occurred. It is also a reminder of the importance of faith and hope in times of adversity. Hanukkah is a time for family and friends to come together and remember the gifts of freedom and faith.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.