The Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, is celebrated every year in December or January (“Kislev 25”) by Jews around the world in memory of the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the ancient Greeks. It is a time for families to come together and enjoy eight days of feasting, gift giving, and celebration. Over the years, the traditions of Hanukkah have developed and changed, but its core meaning remains largely unchanged. But who celebrates Hanukkah and why?
Who Celebrates Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is primarily a Jewish holiday. It is a holiday celebrated by those of the Jewish faith, in particular those of the Ashkenazi tradition. It is a day of remembrance for the Jewish Maccabees who fought against their oppressors and put an end to their persecution in the second century BCE. It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights’ and the eight days of Hanukkah are filled with rituals, traditions, games, and delicious food. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate.
The Traditions of Hanukkah
- Menorah Lighting: On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews light a nine-branched Menorah (chanukia), with a single candle being lit on the first night and an extra candle added each night up to a total of eight. It is usually done in the evening in the home, often in the presence of family and friends.
- Spinning the Dreidel: Families often play the traditional spinning top game, ‘dreidel’. The figures on the four sides of the dreidel tell the story of Hanukkah: Nes Gadol Haya Sham (‘a great miracle happened there’). Players spin the dreidel and if it lands on a letter, they receive a predetermined prize.
Other Traditions
Other key Hanukkah traditions for families and individuals include food-related activities such as eating potato latkes (pancakes made from grated potatoes), enjoying sufganiyot (doughnuts filled with jam or cream cheese) and serving dishes cooked in oil such as Kugel (a pudding-like dish made with noodles or potatoes). During the eight days of Hanukkah, families often exchange gifts, and religious Jews may recite special prayers each day.
Hanukkah is a time for Jews to come together and celebrate a special holiday that is dedicated to family, faith, tradition and fun! Every year, people around the world embrace the story of the Maccabees and enjoy taking part in the traditions that have been passed down for centuries. The Festival of Lights is a reminder of the special relationship between Jews and God, and the miracles that can occur when people strive for freedom.
On Hanukkah, Jews celebrate the importance of standing up for their beliefs, and the soul-strengthening power of tradition. The eight days of Hanukkah remind us to never give up hope, and to never stop believing in the possibility of a miracle.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.