Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by the lighting of the menorah, reciting special prayers, playing the dreidel game, giving gifts, and eating traditional foods. During the holiday, families gather together to share stories, eat special meals, and exchange gifts. Hanukkah is a joyous celebration of courage and the cultural identity of the Jewish people.
Origins of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, a Jewish revolt against the Syrian-Greeks, in 165 BCE. The Maccabees were successful in taking back control of their holy temple, which had been defiled by the Syrian-Greeks. However, when they returned, they found that most of the oil to light the sacred lamps had been put to use by the Syrian-Greeks. Nevertheless, when the Maccabees lit the lamp with the remaining pure oil, it miraculously lasted for eight days.
Symbols and Customs
The menorah—the eight branch candelabra—is by far the most widely recognized symbol of Hanukkah. On each night of the holiday, one additional candle is lit in the menorah until the eighth day, when all eight candles are burning.
The game of dreidel is a beloved pastime during Hanukkah. Four-sided top with Hebrew letters on each side is spun, and depending on which letter lands face-up, participants either receive a reward or have to contribute coins, nuts or other edibles to a shared ‘pot’.
Traditional foods associated with Hanukkah include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Eating these symbolizes the celebration of the miracle of the Maccabees reclaiming their temple.
Gifts are often given during Hanukkah. Sometimes children receive Hanukkah gelt—chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil—or small gifts such as books or puzzles.
Hanukkah is a time for rejoicing, telling stories of the Maccabees’ triumph over oppression, and sharing special moments of togetherness with friends and family. Modern day Hanukkah is celebrated with lit menorahs, spinning of dreidels, exchanging of gifts and eating of traditional holiday foods. All of these practices remind us of our Jewish heritage and tradition.
Hanukkah is a festive celebration of both the present and the past that remains an integral part of the Jewish people’s culture. It’s a time-honored holiday that reminds us all to stand strong and remain steadfast in our beliefs.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.