Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated around the world. During this time, people commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and honor the freedom of the Maccabees. Although the Jewish tradition is celebrated in many different places and in many different ways, the question remains: Where was Hanukkah first celebrated?
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The Answer
Hanukkah was first celebrated around the year 165 BCE in Jerusalem. It commemorated the liberation of the Jewish people from the Greek-Syrian tyrant Antiochus IV by a small Jewish army led by Judah Maccabee. This liberation enabled the Jews of Jerusalem to reclaim their temple, which had been continually desecrated by the Greeks. The Maccabees then rededicated the Temple, lighted the menorah that would stay lit for eight full days, and celebrated the victory. In celebration of this great event, a holiday was declared. Thus, Hanukkah was born.
The Significance of the Temple
The Temple was seen as a powerful symbol of Jewish identity and nationhood. For this reason, its rededication was a proud moment for the Jewish people and the event of Hanukkah marks its importance for all succeeding generations. Throughout the ages, Hanukkah has been celebrated as an occasion for feasting, prayer, religious observance, and gift giving. To this day, during the eight-day holiday, Jews all across the world make sure to remember the courage and determination of those who saved them by lighting Hanukkah candles and enjoying traditional Hanukkah foods.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a joyous event, and in order to fully take part in this holiday, you should have a general understanding of how the celebration works. On Hanukkah, the Jews observe two main mitzvot – lighting the Hanukkah candles and eating special Hanukkah foods.
Lighting the Candles
On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the menorah. On each successive night, the number of candles increases by one, until all eight candles are lit. The kindling of the candles is done from left to right, but the Shamash (the “servant” candle) is lit first. As each candle is lit, people sing special prayers and hymns in praise of God’s wonders.
Eating Traditional Foods
Eating special traditional foods is also an important part of the festivities. Potato pancakes, called latkes, are a well-known Hanukkah treat, as are jelly donuts known as sufganiyot. Additionally, many Jews eat dairy foods during Hanukkah as a way to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
Hanukkah is a special time that has been celebrated around the world for centuries. Although it may look a bit different in different cultures and countries, the essence of the holiday remains the same – to honor the courage and faith of those who came before us. From the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem to the lighting of the Hanukkah candles and the eating of special Hanukkah foods, the rituals of the holiday unite Jews around the world and offer a time of joy and contemplation.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.