▷ What Is Hanukkah In Judaism?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the Maccabees’ victory over the oppressive forces of Greek rule in the 2nd century BCE. It is an eight-day festival that is observed around the world, usually in late November or early December and is also known as the Festival of Lights. During the festival, its participants are required to light a special eight-branched Menorah, recite blessings, and exchange gifts. The holiday has taken on significant spiritual and social significance and has become one of the core traditions of the Jewish faith.

Hanukkah is derived from the Hebrew root word Hanukah, which means ‘dedication’. It is a time of rededication to God and to Jewish traditions. On this day, special songs are sung, prayers are said, and celebratory meals are eaten. It is believed that the holy temple was miraculously restored with only a small jar of oil that would normally last only for one day but miraculously lasted for eight days. This miracle is commemorated in the yearly ritual of lighting the menorah, a unique eight-branched candelabrum.

What Is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for 8 days in late November or early December. It celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ victory over the oppressive forces of Greek rule in the 2nd century BCE. The holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights, and observing it involves lighting the Menorah each evening for eight days and exchanging gifts.

Symbols of Hanukkah

The primary symbols of Hanukkah are the Menorah, a special eight-branched candelabrum that is lit each evening, and the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top which is traditionally used in games of chance. Other symbols associated with the holiday include fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), and sufganiyot (doughnuts), which are thought to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lighted the Menorah in the Temple.

Rituals and Practices of the Holiday

The traditional observance of Hanukkah involves lighting the Menorah on each of the eight nights, saying the traditional blessings over each lit candle, spinning the dreidel (a four-sided top used in a game of chance), singing special songs, and exchanging gifts. On Hanukkah, some people give a special extra monetary donation to charity known as the Ma’os Chittin, while others give tzedakah (charitable donations) to the needy.

Hanukkah is a deeply meaningful holiday that commemorates both the militancy and faith of the ancient Jews in their struggle against oppressive forces. By celebrating this important holiday, we remember the importance of faith in difficult times, recognize the sacrifices of people who have gone before us, and celebrate the miracle of the rededication of the temple. Hanukkah serves as a reminder of our connection to our heritage and to our Creator, and is a source of great joy for the Jewish people all over the world.

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Last update 2023-11-22. Price and product availability may change.