Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, is a joyous eight-day Jewish celebration that starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 22 and ends in the evening on December 30. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication, and is celebrated throughout the world.
Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom and victory, as it commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt of the second century BCE. For this reason, it is celebrated with special rituals, such as lighting the menorah, gift-giving, and special treats like latkes and sufganiyot.Lighting the Menorah
One of the most well-known and cherished Hanukkah traditions is lighting the menorah. A nine-branched candelabrum, the menorah is lit each night of Hanukkah, one candle at a time, for eight consecutive nights. The ninth candle, called the shamash or the servant, is used to light the other candles. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the far right of the menorah. On the second evening, two candles are lit, and so on until all eight candles of the menorah are lit on the eight and final night of Hanukkah.
Gift-Giving
Another Hanukkah tradition is gift-giving. Many Jewish families give their children small presents, such as toys, books, and other items. Parents often give their children “Chanukah Gelt” (i.e. money) either in chocolate coins or real coins. Other gifts, such as food, are also commonly given.
Latkes and Sufganiyots
A beloved staple of Hanukkah is traditional cuisine. The most popular Hanukkah foods are latkes and sufganiyots. Latkes are crispy potato pancakes, usually made with grated potatoes, onion and egg and fried in oil. This dish is a symbol of the miracle of oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple. Sufganiyots are jelly-filled doughnuts, often dusted with sugar.
Hanukkah is a very special and joyous holiday. Through meaningful traditions such as lighting the menorah, gift-giving, and eating traditional foods, Hanukkah is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. Every year, Jewish families from all over the world gather together to commemorate freedom, victory, and most of all, the miraculous oil that burned for eight days in the Holy Temple.
Hanukkah is a time to appreciate the important things in life, and to be thankful for our loved ones and the gift of freedom. So this Hanukkah, may we feel the light of the menorah, the warmth of family and friends, and the blessings of joy and peace.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.