The second day of Hanukkah is known by multiple names – ‘Hag Ha-Bikkurim’, ‘Shtessel’, ‘Erev V’Shmini Atseres’, ‘Tikun Leil Geula’ and ‘Tikkun Laylayot’ among them. All these names of the second day of Hanukkah are based on their historical importance and have their own unique stories and reasons for being used.
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Hag Ha-Bikkurim
The first of the names, Hag Ha-Bikkurim, literally translates to ‘Festival of the First Fruits’. This name is in reference to the second day of Hanukkah being the day on which the farmers brought their first summer harvest down to the Temple onto the Mizbayach, the altar. This reading was accordingly taken from the Book of Shemos, Verse 22 of Chapter 34.
Shtessel
Another name for the second day of Hanukkah is Shtessel, which literally translates into a ‘handled walking stick’. This name is derived from the name of Yochanon Kohen Gadol, who was the High Priest in the Jewish rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He was known as ‘Yochanon Hag Shtessel’ due to the staff he carried and the day of the Jewish rededication was thusly also known as Shtessel.
Erev V’Shmini Atseres
The second day is also referred to as ‘Erev V’Shmini Atseres, which translate to ‘the day before the eighth day’. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it does not refer to the day before shemoneh esrei. Rather, it’s a reference to the fact that Hanukkah is a seven-day holiday, preceded by an eighth day, during which a Shehechiyanu blessing was recited. On the day before the eighth day, an extra prayer was added, and accordingly, the name ‘Erev V’Shmini Atseres’ was coined.
Tikun Leil Geula
A fourth name of the second day of Hanukkah, ‘Tikun Leil Geula’ translates to ‘Repair of the night of Redemption’. This name is in reference to the fact that the night of the second day of Hanukkah is especially fraught with significance in Jewish tradition. According to Jewish mystical practice, from dusk to daybreak of that night, the whole world is meant to be open to for repentance and the prayer of ‘Tikun Leil Geula’ is said, concentrating on the ultimate Redemption of the Jewish people.
Tikkun Laylayot
The final name of the second day of Hanukkah is ‘Tikkun Laylayot’, which translates to ‘Repair of the night’. It is derived from the fact that this night of the holiday is especially sacred in Jewish tradition. Throughout the night, Jews gather to study Torah, pray and further their spiritual journeys. Following the recitation of many Psalms, they conclude the night by saying the Tikkun Laylayot, parting only at the break of day.
Ultimately, the second day of Hanukkah is important due to its many different meanings and usages, most of which have to do with the spiritual and religious nature of the day. It is a day on which many perform additional prayer services and study, hopefully bringing them closer to achieving a greater connection to Judaism and the Jewish people.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.