Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC. Hanukkah is observed for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, and the exchange of gifts.
Hanukkah festivities begin on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and end on the 2nd or 3rd day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. This eight-day celebration is intended to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees more than 2,000 years ago. The Maccabees repelled the Greeks and rededicated the Temple with just a single cruse of oil—which is said to have lasted eight days.
To remember this event, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the menorah—a nine-branched candelabrum with a central holder for the shamash (servant) candle. One candle is lit on each day of the holiday, starting from right to left, with an additional candle added each night. The shamash candle is used to light the other candles, and is typically placed at a higher or lower level than the other candles. Additionally, singing blessings, playing dreidel games, eating traditional Hanukkah food, and exchanging gifts have become common Hanukkah traditions.
On the first night of Hanukkah, three blessings are typically recited over the first light. Subsequent blessings, said each night, are said over all eight lights on the menorah. The second blessing praises the miracle of Hanukkah and acknowledges the special place of the Menorah in Jewish life. Here is an example of these rituals and blessings.
Rituals and Blessings
Lighting the Menorah
- Light the shamash (servant) candle.
- Recite the first blessing.
- Light the first candle of the menorah from right to left.
- Recite the second blessing.
- Light the second candle from left to right.
- Continue lighting the remaining candles in the same way and recite the blessings.
Blessings for Hanukkah Lights
- First Blessing: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah lights.
- Second Blessing: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time.
Hanukkah is a holiday of tradition and celebration. It is a time to come together with family and friends, light the menorah, share in traditional food, recite blessings, and exchange gifts. No matter how you choose to celebrate it, Hanukkah is an important part of the Jewish tradition and a reminder of how history and faith can intertwine to bring light to the world.
This short article has explored the basics of Hanukkah and offered an overview of its customs and rituals. Celebrating Hanukkah is not only a way to honor a timeless story, but also a time to celebrate light, freedom, and peace.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.