Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday steeped in tradition and celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is the holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the victory of the Maccabees over the tyrannical King Antiochus. But where did it all begin? Where did Hanukkah come from?
Hanukkah, the ‘Festival of Lights’, is a celebration of a miracle that happened over 2000 years ago. After the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire, led by the Hasmonean family, Israel was independent again after over two hundred years of foreign rule. After reclaiming the second Temple in Jerusalem, the Maccabees discovered that the Seleucids had desecrated a large number of sacred items. The leader of the Maccabees, Judah Maccabee, called for all Jews to come together to re-consecrate the Temple and rededicate it to the service of God.
One of the items that needed to be re-consecrated were the sacred ‘Ner Tamid’ lamps that hung in the Temple and were supposed to be lit constantly. The Maccabees found only a single cruse (container) of olive oil that had not been defiled by the Seleucids, but the cruse only held enough oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 days, until new oil could be obtained and consecrated, giving the Jewish people the chance to celebrate the re-dedication of the Temple for a full 8 days, and commemorating the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days.
To commemorate the miracle, a holiday was established that was known as ‘Chanukah’ which means ‘rededication’. This holiday was celebrated by lighting an eight-branched menorah (or ‘Chanukiah’) – one branch for each of the days that the oil lasted – and by eating food fried in oil, such as latkes and donuts.
In addition to the lighting of the menorah and the eating of fried foods, Jews traditionally give gifts to each other on Hanukkah or donate money to charity.
Hanukkah is a joyful celebration of a miracle that happened long ago and has been passed down through the ages. It is the reminder that the Jewish people have persevered and continue to thrive despite centuries of oppression and the odds they have been up against. As such, Hanukkah is a holiday that all Jews can take pride in, and is a celebration of religious freedom, faith and perseverance.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.