Hanukkah is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays that celebrates the miraculous victory of Jews against the Greco-Syrian army. It is a powerful symbol of courage and an example of how strong faith can move mountains. It is known as the Festival of Lights where every night a candle is lit for eight days, ending with the havdalah ceremony on the last night. The holiday dates vary from year to year as it follows the Hebrew calendar. It is an occasion for family and friends to come together to remember the past and celebrate the present.
What is Hanukkah All About?
Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights is an eight day celebration beginning on the 25th day of Kislev (Jewish month) which usually falls in late November or December according to the Gregorian calendar. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Greek-Syrian armies.
The Story Behind It
The story of Hanukkah comes from the Book of Maccabees. After a long battle of three years against the Greco-Syrian armies, the Jews led by Judah Maccabee reclaimed Jerusalem and the Temple which had been desecrated by the Greeks. It was said that when they went to re-dedicate the Temple they only found enough oil to burn for one day, but miraculously the oil lasted for eight days and nights, and since then Jews have commemorated this miracle by lighting a candelabra with nine branches, called the Menorah, with a single candle lit on the first night, and adding an additional one each night until the eight night.
Hanukkah Traditions
During Hanukkah, special services are held and religious readings and blessings are said around the Menorah. Every family follows a similar tradition of serving traditional Hanukkah foods, usually some form of fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts). Spinning a dreidel is also popular, which is a four-sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter inscribed in each side, and is used for a traditional game of chance. On Hanukkah it is common to exchange gifts, and families often enjoy playing board games and trying to guess which present is theirs.
Hanukkah is a powerful reminder of faith in the face of adversity and a time to celebrate how even the highest of odds can be overcome when fueled by something greater than ourselves. It is celebrated with family and friends, filled with general merriment, great food, and beloved tradition. No matter where you celebrate, the meaning remains the same: faith and the miraculous nature of true courage.
This is just a very brief overview of all the symbolic and festive aspects of Hanukkah; to fully appreciate the beauty of this holiday it must be experienced first hand.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.