Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday observed each winter in the United States and around the world. It is celebrated in commemoration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was retaken from the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean Revolt of 165 BC. The name Hanukkah translates to “dedication” in Hebrew and the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication. It is a time of giving thanks, rejoicing, and celebrating with family and friends.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that is observed in the fall or winter months. It is a festival of lights that celebrates a miracle that happened some 2,000 years ago. During the observance, Jewish families light menorahs and recite special prayers. The story of Hanukkah is told during this time as well from generation to generation.
Hanukkah Traditions
Hanukkah is an important holiday in the Jewish faith and contains many exciting traditions. These traditions include:
- Lighting the menorah: A Hanukkah menorah is an eight-branched candelabrum lit each night of Hanukkah. Every night a new candle is lit, starting with one on the first night of Hanukkah.
- Spinning the dreidel: A dreidel is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side indicating which player should receive a “prize” of gelt (coins) or nuts.
- Playing the “Latke-Hamentashen War”: A Hanukkah tradition, the Latke-Hamentashen War is a lighthearted competition between family members divided into two teams. One team eats potato latkes (pancakes) while the other team eats hamentashen (fruit-filled pastries). At the end of the war, the team with the most members remaining wins!
- Giving gifts: The most common Hanukkah gift is money, called gelt, given to the children. Other popular gifts are games, books, and toys.
Hanukkah is a special and meaningful holiday that is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. It is a time to gather as a family to light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and consume traditional foods. Through its various activities and traditions, Hanukkah brings together people of all ages to celebrate and remember the miracle that occurred many years ago.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.