Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the astonishing miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting for 8 days. It’s no surprise that this incredible holiday has numerous spellings – so many so that it can be a source of confusion. From Chanukah to Chanuka, and even Channukah, there are various spellings in both Hebrew and English, with each representing a way to celebrate the holiday.
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Different Spellings in Hebrew
The Hebrew spelling of the holiday is typically חֲנֻכָּה or Chanukah. The letter ח is pronounced “ch” and the letter כ is pronounced “kah”. It is a dagesh kal in the middle letter, which means the letter is pronounced with a hard “k” sound. Because of this, it is often spelled without the dagesh kal, חנוכה, resulting in a change from a “ch” to a “kh” sound that is typically pronounced “kah.”
Different Spellings in English
In English, Chanukah is generally spelled in one of two variations: Chanukah or Hanukkah. By adding an extra “h” in the spelling of “Hanukkah,” the kaf sound is instead pronounced with the softer khaf sound.
Many people use both spellings interchangeably, and while some prefer Hanukkah because it preserves the final “h” sound from hebrew, others may prefer Chanukah because it is easier to say and spell. Some may even use Chanukkah, a spelling that only adds a dagesh kal – to mistakenly be more “accurate.”
Regardless of spelling, both forms convey the same meaning: a holiday of celebration and remembrance of the story of the Maccabees.
Multiple Spellings & Variations
In addition to the Hebrew and English versions of the holiday, many countries have their own interpretations and standards for spelling. Depending on dialect and location, the spelling may vary, such as from Chanuka in Canada, or Channukah in Germany, or even in Hakodesh (in Hebrew, the term for a holy item or day, or simply “The Holidays”).
Conclusion
Ultimately, all of the different spellings of the holiday are just another way of expressing the joy and significance of the holiday. Whether it’s spelled Chanukah or Hanukkah, the celebration remains the same, and the spirit of the holiday remains alive.
No matter which spelling is used, Hanukkah is a time full of miracles, joy, and family, and it’s a time of year that continues to hold deep importance to the Jewish people and throughout the world.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.