Hanukkah is an important Jewish celebration that is celebrated for eight days each year, corresponding to the Hebrew month of Kislev (in the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in late November or December). Hanukkah is a commemoration of the Judah Maccabees’s miraculous victory over the Syrian-Greek armies and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, as part of the celebrations a special nine-branched candelabra (menorah), which is lit for eight nights during the holiday, is featured prominently.
Hanukkah is steeped in Jewish traditions, rituals, and symbolism. It is mainly a time for family gathering, lightheartedness, joy, celebration, and prayer. The menorah is the best-known symbol of Hanukkah and is a reminder of the miraculous lasting oil that lasted the Maccabees and illuminated the temple for eight days. There are additional symbols associated with the holiday, including food served during the holiday, e.g. latkes (a type of potato pancake).
Table of Contents
Rituals and Celebrations of Hanukkah
Lighting the Menorah
During Hanukkah, a menorah with nine candles is lit. The first night, one candle is lit on the far right side. On the second night, two candles are lit — one on each side of the first candle. This pattern is repeated until the entire menorah is illuminated. The ninth candle is used to light the other candles. This ritual is accompanied by the recitation of blessings.
Spinning the Dreidel
Spinning the dreidel is a common Hanukkah pastime. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter inscribed on each side. Kids take turns spinning it and the outcome of the letters determine who gets the pot of coins and candy. Winning the game requires both skill and luck.
Gift-Giving
It is customary to give gifts on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The most common gifts are Hanukkah gelt (coins) and toys for children. Also, many people give charity in memory of the Maccabees.
Eating Traditional Foods
Eating traditional Hanukkah foods is an important part of the holiday. The custom is to eat only fried foods during this time, as a reminder of the miraculous lasting oil. The most popular Hanukkah treats are latkes, which are potato pancakes, and jelly-filled doughnuts called “sufganiyot.”
Hanukkah is a special cultural and religious time for many Jewish people around the world. It is a time of joy, of gathering with family and friends, of eating traditional foods, of spinning the dreidel, and of lighting the festive menorah. Though Hanukkah is often regarded as a minor holiday compared to more widely celebrated Jewish holidays, it holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish people everywhere. It is a time to honor those who fought to keep religious freedom alive and remember their miraculous victory.
Related Products:
- What Is The Hanukkah Tradition?
- What Is A Hanukkah Tradition?
- How Did The Tradition Of Hanukkah Start?
- When Did The Tradition Of Giving Gifts For Hanukkah Begin?
- What Is Hanukkah And Why Is It Celebrated?
- Hanukkah Tradition Party Supplies
- What Tradition Do Kwanzaa And Hanukkah Share?
- The Mensch On A Bench As Seen On Shark Tank A New Hanukkah Tradition
- A Hanukkah Tradition The Story Of Funukkah Girl Plush Doll And Book Set
- A Hanukkah Tradition The Story Of Funukkah Boy Plush Doll And Book Set Blue
- What Day Is Hanukkah Is It?
- What Is Hanukkah And How Is It Celebrated?
- What Is The Origin Or Meaning Of Hanukkah?
- What Is Hanukkah About?
- What Is A Symbol Of Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.