Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights. The holiday celebrates a time in history when the Jews reclaimed their holy Temple in Jerusalem from Greek-Syrians oppressors. It is during this special time each year that Jewish families light a hanukkiyah (a type of menorah) in an effort to remember and honor the miracle of oil that lasted eight days despite only enough oil for one night. The holiday has become both a celebration of the miracle of the oil as well as the cultural and religious heritage of Jews worldwide.
The origins of Hanukkah can be traced back to the 2nd century BCE. During this time the ancient land of Judea, which is now modern day Israel, was part of the Seleucid Empire. The Jewish population living in the area was heavily oppressed by the ruling Greek-Syrian administrators. Jewish practice was forbidden and the Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated. This sparked a Jewish uprising led by Judah Maccabee and his family who successfully reclaimed the temple and recommitted to Jewish practice. Although there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one night, miraculously it lasted for eight. To commemorate this miracle, Jews celebrate Hanukkah today.What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that falls on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. During this time, Jewish people around the world light a special type of nine-branched candelabra called a hanukkiyah, spin a four-sided spinning top called a dreidel, and exchange gifts. In the Ashkenazi tradition, potato pancakes known as latkes are eaten and sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts) are popular in the Sephardic tradition.
Observing Hanukkah
The Hanukkah celebration is traditionally observed with:
- Lighting the hanukkiyah. Each evening during the holiday a new candle is added to the hanukkiyah. The first light is kindled on the first evening and the eight lights are kindled on the final evening, representing the miraculous eight-day supply of oil.
- Spinning the dreidel. A four-sided spinning top is celebrated during Hanukkah. Players put a designated coin or piece of candy in the center of the game. Each player then takes a turn spinning the dreidel, interpreting the letter featured on the top of the dreidel when it stops spinning.
- Gift-giving. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, parents give their children gifts and money. Originally, the gifts were intended to be Jewish-themed books but over time more traditional gifts such as toys and clothing have become acceptable.
Although Hanukkah is typically not as widely observed as other Jewish holidays such as Passover or Sukkot, the festival has still developed into an important component of Jewish culture. Not only is it a time for families to enjoy special traditions such as playing with the dreidel or eating latkes, it is also an important reminder of the Jewish struggle for freedom of religion and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Hanukkah continues to be observed today as a time to celebrate Jewish identity and the unique culture of the Jewish people.
The festivities of Hanukkah typically conclude on the last evening with prayers of gratitude to God for the miracle of the oil and for the amazing eight days of the Hanukkah holiday.
Related Products:
- Who Decides When Hanukkah Is?
- Who Is Hanukkah Harry?
- Who Is Hanukkah Celebrated By?
- Who Celebrates Hanukkah And Why?
- Who Lights The Candles At Hanukkah?
- Who Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Who Celebrates Hanukkah?
- Happy Hanukkah To Those Who Celebrate?
- Who Celebrates Hanukkah What Country?
- Who Lights The Hanukkah Candles?
- Who Started Hanukkah?
- Who Made Hanukkah?
- Happy Hanukkah To All Who Celebrate?
- Who Invented Hanukkah?
- Who Celebrates Hanukkah Holiday?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.