Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the holy Temple of Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrian-Greeks in 167 BCE. This celebration dates back centuries and has come to be associated with special foods, decoration, and the kindling of lights known as the Menorah. The name Hanukkah means “dedication” based on the rabbinical explanation that the eight-day holiday celebrates the rededication of the holy Temple of Jerusalem. The celebration is marked by daily rituals that include lighting the Menorah, special prayers and songs, eating traditional holiday foods, and exchanging gifts.
History of Hanukkah
The story of Hanukkah dates back to 167 BCE, when the Syrian-Greeks desecrated the holy Temple of Jerusalem and put their idols in its sacred place. A Jewish revolt, led by the Hasmonean family, ultimately won and gained control of Jerusalem and the Temple, restoring them to their original Jewish state.
When the Jews tried to relight the menorah, which had gone out during the occupation, they discovered that only a single flask of holy oil was left. Though the oil should have lasted only for one day, it miraculously lasted for eight days, long enough for fresh oil to be made. To commemorate this miracle, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days, and thus the eight-branched menorah and the eight-day celebration were born.
Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a reminder of the power of faith: that when faced with spiritual darkness, even a small flame can light the darkness and reclaim the Temple and the faith that was taken away. It is also a reminder that when we are faced with the forces of oppression or assimilation, it is up to us to fight them off.
Rituals of Hanukkah
During Hanukkah, the following rituals are often observed:
- Lighting the Menorah: This is done every day of Hanukkah and is a reminder of the miracle of the oil. A special “blessing” is said before and after the lighting of the menorah.
- Eating traditional foods: These include latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and other fried foods, which symbolize the miracle of the oil.
- Spinning the Dreidel: This is a four-sided, spinning top that is often played for fun, with participants either earning or giving away coins or pieces of chocolate. This symbolizes the games the Macabees would have played to keep their minds off the Syrian-Greeks.
Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom and a reminder of the power of faith and resilience. It is also a lesson in courage and perseverance, and a reminder that we can overcome our oppressors. This holiday is celebrated for eight days and involves a wide variety of customs, including the lighting of the menorah, eating traditional foods, and playing the dreidel.
Though religious in nature, it is not limited to followers of one faith, but is open to all members of all communities. By remembering and celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah, we can remind ourselves of the power and beauty that comes from standing strong in the face of oppression.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.