Hanukkah is a joyous eight-day holiday celebrated by Jews all over the world in the middle of the winter season. In America and Israel, two different versions of the holiday are celebrated. While both countries feature a few similarities in their interpretation of the festival, a number of differences can be noted between Hanukkah in America and Hanukkah in Israel as well.
Hanukkah Traditions In America And Israel
The American version of Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and lasts for eight days. One of the most beloved of the holiday’s traditions is lighting of the menorah each night and then reciting blessings. Gift-giving and food are two other popular activities associated with the occasion. In Israel, however, the celebration of Hanukkah is slightly different. Instead of following Kislev, Hanukkah is celebrated on the same dates of the Gregorian calendar each year. Additionally, song, music, and dance are part of the festival’s cultural programming.
The Hanukkah Story
The Hanukkah story recounts the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 164 BC. The Syrian Greeks forbid Jews from practicing their faith and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to the worship of the Greek gods. After the Maccabees’ victory, and their reclaiming of the Temple, the Jews wanted to redediacte the temple to the Jewish God, and went looking for enough oil to light the Temple’s Menorah for eight days, which is the same length of time it usually took for the ritual oil to be pressed and ready. They were only able to find one day’s worth of oil, but it miraculously lasted for eight days and that is why today we light the Menorah each night of Hanukkah for eight days.
In Israel, Hanukkah is an important national holiday, and much more of the story surrounding the holiday is celebrated, whereas in America, Hanukkah is usually celebrated more as a family and religious event. Therefore, in Israel, the importance of the Maccabee’s success in reclaiming the Temple and their faith is honoured through activities such as parades and military ceremonies.
Gifts And Food
Gift-giving and food are almost always associated with Hanukkah, and both countries have some similarities in how they approach these activities. During Hanukkah, gifts are exchanged in both countries, along with donations to charity, especially the poor. Similarly, eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, are traditional to both countries during this time of year.
The main difference between Hanukkah in America and Hanukkah in Israel is how the holiday is celebrated. In America, Hanukkah is usually celebrated in a lighter, family-oriented manner. In contrast, in Israel, where Hanukkah is a national holiday, the story of the Maccabees’ reclaiming of the Holy Temple is honored through activities such as parades and military ceremonies.
No matter which country you are in though, Hanukkah is an important holiday and is celebrated with lots of joy, gift-giving, and food. It is a festival that has been going strong for thousands of years and will continue to be celebrated for millennia to come!
Related Products:
- How Many Days Is Hanukkah In Israel?
- How Is Hanukkah Celebrated In Israel?
- Hanukkah In America
- Hanukkah In America A History
- Hanukkah In America By Dianne Ashton
- What Countries Is Hanukkah Celebrated In?
- How Many Nights Does The Hanukkah Celebration Last In Israel?
- What Is The Main Ingredient In Jewish Hanukkah Donuts?
- Where In The World Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
- What Country Is Hanukkah Celebrated In?
- Where Is Hanukkah In The Bible?
- Hanukkah Menorah Made In Israel
- Hanukkah Is Celebrated In What Countries?
- How Do You Say Happy Hanukkah In Israel?
- Where In The Bible Is Hanukkah Mentioned?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.