Hanukkah is the festival of lights that Jews around the world celebrate every year for eight nights. Hanukkah honors the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a successful Jewish uprising against the Greek-Syrian army. Hanukkah night is a time for celebration, gathering with family and friends, and giving thanks to the Lord for His miracles. Today, Hanukkah is celebrated with candle lighting, traditional meals, and gift-giving, all in honor of a great victory in the past.
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What is Hanukkah today?
Hanukkah is still celebrated by Jews today in the same ways it has been celebrated for thousands of years—by lighting candles, reciting prayers, and giving gifts. The holiday begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight nights. Every night, candles are lit on the menorah to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple. One additional candle is lit each night until the night of the eighth day, which is the celebration of the greatest miracle of all.
Lighting the Menorah
On the first night of Hanukkah, a menorah is lit. The menorah consists of nine branches—the eight branches represent the eight nights of Hanukkah, while the ninth is the “shamash” (or servant) which is used to light the other eight. The candles are lit one by one, from left to right, with the shamash lit first and the eighth candle lit last. The shamash is then used to light the other candles throughout the duration of the holiday and on special occasions.
Traditional Foods
On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, traditional foods are eaten to commemorate the holiday. These include latkes (fried potato pancakes), sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts), and other fried treats, which are meant to symbolize the oil that burned for eight days in the temple. Other special dishes include kugels, challah, and soup.
Gift Giving
It is traditional on Hanukkah to give gifts to family and friends. These gifts usually consist of gelt (chocolate coins), books about Hanukkah, menorah replicas, or other holiday-themed items.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated around the world as a joyous and meaningful annual event. The holiday continues to be a time for reflection and thanksgiving, to remember the miraculous victory of the Jews over their oppressors, and to celebrate the light and hope that this brought to the people. As the candles are lit one by one on the menorah, they provide a reminder of the light of faith that will continue to illuminate our lives and to bring us joy and strength.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.