Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians and the rededication of the temple in 165 BCE. During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews around the world observe the holiday by lighting candles, playing games, exchanging gifts, and sharing traditional foods. This article presents a detailed summary of what happens during the eight days of Hanukkah.
Table of Contents
The Hanukkah Menorah
The most iconic symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah. A nine-candle branched holder, the menorah is lit with one candle each night and the blessing is performed following the same prayer that is used when the Sabbath lights are lit. On the first night of Hanukkah one candle is lit and on the eighth night all eight candles are lit. The middle candle in the menorah is motzi, the extra candle that is used to light the other candles.
Exchanging Gifts and Gelt
Exchanging Hanukkah gifts is an integral part of the holiday tradition. In some families the gifts are given every night, in some the gifts are given on the first night, and in some families the gifts are given on all eight nights.
Gelt (money) is given to children in some families as part of the gift exchange. Gelt is usually in the form of chocolate coins that come in a Chanukah-themed wrapping. The giving of gelt is an ancient tradition that symbolizes the idea of being generous with your wealth and helping those in need.
Playing Games
Playing Dreidel is an integral part of the Hanukkah tradition. A Dreidel is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side. Players take turns spinning the dreidel, and depending upon which letter is facing up, on which the game is based. The player with the most tokens or coins in the end wins.
Traditional Foods
Hanukkah is celebrated by eating traditional foods. Latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly donuts are a universally popular dish during Hanukkah. Latkes, which symbolize the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, are usually fried in oil. In some tradition, a family might also eat dairy dishes to celebrate the incident where Judith saved her town from a Syrian general by giving him cheese.
Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the bravery and faith of the Maccabees in overcoming the forces of Antiochus. During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews around the world observe the holiday by lighting Menorahs, exchanging gifts, playing games, and eating traditional foods. By following these traditions, the holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated, and the miracle of the oil is remembered for this joyous occasion.
Related Products:
- How Many Days Are There Of Hanukkah?
- How Many Days Of Hanukkah Are There?
- How Many Days Is In Hanukkah?
- What Are The Days Of Hanukkah This Year?
- What Are The Days Of Hanukkah?
- How Many Days Does Hanukkah Have?
- How Many Days Does Hanukkah Last?
- Hanukkah Is How Many Days?
- Hanukkah Lasts For How Many Days?
- Why Is Hanukkah Celebration Eight Days Long??
- How Many Days Of Hanukkah?
- How Many Days For Hanukkah?
- How Many Days Does Hanukkah Last For?
- How Many Days Are Celebrated In Hanukkah?
- What Does The 8 Days Of Hanukkah Mean?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.