Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days each year. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and marks a time of joy, hope, and celebration for many people around the world. During this joyous celebration, many customs and rituals are observed, from the kindling of the Menorah candles to singing and exchanging presents. So, what is done during Hanukkah?
<h2>Kindling of the Menorah</h2>
The lighting of the Menorah is a key ritual in the celebration of Hanukkah. Each night of the holiday, a separate candle is added to the Menorah, until all eight candles are burning on the final night. During the ceremony, the person kindling the lights recites a prayer and either two Psalms or the special Hanukkah hymn, <b>Mi Yimalel</b>. In order to make this ceremony more special, the lights of the Menorah are kindled from the existing light of the previous day’s lit candle or, on the first night, from an external source, such as a match or a lighter.
<h2>Playing with the Dreidel</h2>
Playing with the dreidel is one of the most popular activities on Hanukkah and is usually set up as a gambling game. The dreidel is a spinning top with four sides, each of which displays a letter from the Hebrew alphabet: נ— Nun, ג — Gimel, ה — Hay, and ש — Shin. Each of these letters corresponds to a word that describes the fate of those playing the game: נעשה —— Nothing will happen (i.e. No one wins or loses), גדול —— The pot increases (i.e. The pot will get bigger), החזר —— All players must return their stakes to the pot, and שבה —— The player wins all of the pot.
<h2>Eating Traditional Foods</h2>
The celebration of Hanukkah wouldn’t be complete without the traditional food offerings that are associated with the holiday. Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a classic dish that is traditionally served at Hanukkah to recall the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days. Similarly, sufganiyot, or jelly-filled doughnuts, are often served as a reminder of the same miracle. Other popular food choices include kugel, a baked dish made from noodles, and tzimmes, a sweet vegetable stew.
<h2>Exchanging Presents</h2>
Another popular tradition on Hanukkah is the exchanging of presents. Children often receive coins or chocolate coins, known as <b>gelt</b>, as well as small gifts or toys. It is also customary for parents to give their children Hanukkah-related gifts such as books about the holiday, Menorahs, or dreidels. In some families, the presents are opened one each night, adding another element of excitement to the celebration of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah is an important celebration in the Jewish calendar, and it is full of beautiful traditions and rituals. In addition to kindling the Menorah, playing with the dreidel, and enjoying traditional foods, exchanging presents is also a favored tradition. Throughout the holiday, it is important to celebrate the joy and hope that the rededication of the Second Temple brought to Jews around the world.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.