Hanukkah is a joyful winter holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world every year. It celebrates the miracle of the Maccabees and of the illumination of the Menorah with enough oil to last for eight days. While minds may differ on how to properly observe the holiday, there are a few activities that everyone can enjoy.
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Lighting the Candles in the Menorah
Lighting the candles in the Hanukah Menorah (also known as a Hanukiah) is a central part of the traditional Hanukkah festivities. On the first night of the holiday, one candle is lit. On each successive night, an additional candle is put in the Menorah and lit from the candle lit the night before. A special blessing is said over the Hanukkiah each night.
Playing Dreidel
Dreidel is a spinning top traditional game of chance associated with Hanukkah. Each Dreidel has four Hebrew letters and a player starts with a predetermined amount of game pieces, such as nuts, chocolate coins, etc. Players spin a Dreidel and based on which letter it lands on, the player either does nothing, wins or loses game pieces.
Eating Fried Food
Fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts) are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Latkes are made by grating potatoes and onions, adding eggs and flour, and cooked in oil. Sufganiyot are deep-fried balls of dough topped with jelly or custard filling.
Exchanging Gifts
Giving and receiving gifts is another popular Hanukkah tradition. Popular gifts include gelt (money or chocolate coins), toys, books and video games. On each night of the holiday, it is customary for parents to give children a small gift in keeping with the traditional Hanukkah miracle and thanking God for providing for the needs of the Jewish people.
Hanukkah is a festive and joyous holiday that provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and focus on the miracle of the Maccabees and the blessings of God. Lighting the Menorah, playing Dreidel, eating fried foods, and exchanging gifts are just a few of the activities enjoyed during the observance of this holiday.
From the sincere recitation of prayers to the loudest of laughter as people gather, we all take part in Hanukkah celebrations, and are reminded that from the seemingly greatest of odds, miracles can blossom.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.