Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication, is one of the most important religious celebrations in the Jewish calendar. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean victory against the Syrian-Greeks in the second century BCE.
The origin of Hanukkah dates back to the second century BCE, when the Syrian-Greeks, under the rule of Antiochus IV, attempted to force the Jews to accept Greek religion and customs. The revolt of the Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, was successful, and the Temple was rededicated on the 25th of Kislev according to the Jewish calendar. According to tradition, when the Maccabees reconstructed the Temple and rededicated it, they only found one jar of oil, which was only enough to last one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days until more could be procured.The Meaning of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of surviving against overwhelming odds, through dedication and faith. The story of Hanukkah is also about rededication; to rededicate ourselves and reaffirm our own beliefs, ideals, and ethics daily.
Symbols of Hanukkah
The most familiar symbol of Hanukkah is the nine-branched menorah, or hanukkiah, which is lit for the holiday with olive oil (or wax candles) to recall the miracle of the one-day supply of oil burning for eight days. Other symbols associated with Hanukkah include the dreidel (a special Hanukkah top) and gelt (chocolate coins given as gifts).
Hanukkah Customs and Traditions
Many customs have become part of the celebration of Hanukkah, including lighting the menorah (hannukiah) each night of the holiday, playing dreidel, and eating traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes). These activities commemorate and celebrate the miracle of the oil and reenact the rededication of the Temple.
Hanukkah is a holiday of joy and hope. Through its customs and traditions, it celebrates the joys of freedom and dedication, faith and commitment, and victory over adversity. It is a time of celebration, joy, gratitude, and reflection. Hanukkah is a reminder that no matter how difficult times can become, we can always remain dedicated to our values and our beliefs.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.