Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the victory of Judah over its enemies in 165 BC. It has been celebrated for centuries and Jews all around the world celebrate it differently. The Festival of Lights features eight days full of family, food, gifts, candles, and prayers.
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that is celebrated for eight days. It commemorates the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem at the time of Judah Maccabee. Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev and ends with the night before Christmas Eve.
Hanukkah is observed from November 28 to December 6 this year.
Christianna Marks is the author of this article.
ATASCADERO — This year, Hanukkah arrived early! The Jewish Festival of Lights began on November 28 and will finish on December 6 at dusk. The eight-night commemoration of Jewish independence may take place any time between late November and late December, depending on the Gregorian calendar. On the Jewish calendar, however, it always occurs on Kislev 25.
“Whether we celebrate in December, November, or [like one unforgettable event in my own family, in March], the celebration itself feels like going home,” says Stacey Agdern, author of the Jewish romance novel Miracles and Menorahs.
We’re going to get through this together, Atascadero
The eight nights of Hanukkah, not to be confused with Jewish Christmas, remember when a small band of Jews led by Judah the Maccabee reclaimed the Holy Land from the Seleucid Empire [Syrian-Greeks] and rededicated the Holy Temple to God in 164 BCE.
“The concept of light is one of my favorite aspects of Hanukkah. Jews are obliged to advertise the miracle by displaying their menorahs in windows or outside their houses, in addition to using a Shamash, or assistance candle, to light all the other candles on their menorahs. Hundreds of menorahs line the streets of religiously observant Jewish towns. “The sight of all those menorahs, lighting what would otherwise be a dark street, is a poignant reminder to me that we each have a holy obligation to be a light in this world,” said Jean Meltzer, author of The Matzah Ball, a Hanukkah rom-com.
When The Maccabees went to light the Menorah in the Temple, just one night’s worth of oil was discovered, but it miraculously lasted eight nights while additional oil was produced for the candelabrum. We now light eight candles in our own menorahs over the course of eight nights to commemorate our emancipation from cultural assimilation.
“I’ve been building my own traditions with my loved ones and family as an adult.” Baking chocolate rugelach, lighting candles each night and reading the prayers, or going to our neighborhood doughnut store for sufganiyot are all examples of this (fried donuts, typically with a jelly filling). “Every year when Hanukkah knocks on our doors is a chance to be contemplative and appreciative for those who provide light when there is darkness,” remarked bookstagramer (blogger) Rae Lipkin.
In Hebrew, the name Hanukkah means “dedication,” and every year, we Jews commit ourselves to eating traditional delicacies prepared in oil. The most well-known of these delicacies is latkes, which are the most delectable potato pancakes you’ve ever had. The only question is whether to use sour cream or apple sauce as a topping.
“Growing up, Hanukkah was the most meaningful holiday for me, despite the fact that my family is not very religious. “I don’t recall ever reciting a whole prayer while we lighted the candles, but I do remember spending hours with my cousins peeling potatoes for latkes and whining about oil burns on our arms,” remarked bookstagrammer Kate H.
“I remember going to family friends’ houses and playing dreidel, but I couldn’t recall what each letter meant, so I couldn’t tell whether I received the half pot or the entire pot [of Hanukkah gelt/chocolate coins] since I didn’t understand Hebrew.” She says, “But then stole the entire pot nevertheless since I was the youngest and could get away with eating [all] the chocolate.”
The game of Dreidel, which is played with a four-sided top bearing the same name, brings Jewish families together. A Hebrew letter appears on each side of the Dreidel. Nun, Gimmel, Hei, and Shin are an acronym that means “a tremendous miracle occurred there!”
“One of my favorite Jewish festivals has always been Hanukkah. Despite the fact that it is a less significant [religious] holiday for us, it has some of my favorite customs! And, due of the holiday’s scheduling, it’s generally a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. At our yearly Hanukkah gathering, I like baking latkes with my family and walking around the circle, unwrapping gifts, and passing out gelt. I like how happy and alive I feel during Hanukkah!” Amanda Spivack, co-founder of Matzah Reading Soup, a Jewish book group, agreed.
So light your menorah, prepare your latkes, and divide the gelt!
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Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights that celebrates the miracle of oil lasting eight days in the temple. It also commemorates the re-dedication of the temple after Judah Maccabee reclaimed it from Greek occupation. Reference: hanukkah candles meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jewish traditions for Hanukkah?
A: On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews light a candle as part of a special ceremony. They also eat fried foods, like potato pancakes and doughnuts, to show their appreciation for Divine providence in days past when they were without food.
What are 3 traditions of Hanukkah?
A: Hanukkah is typically eight days long and begins on the 25th of Kislev. It celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after Judah Maccabees victory over Greco-Syrian forces that had desecrated Gods sanctuary (temple) with pagan images. There are six main traditions associated with this holiday, including lighting a menorah and eating fried foods, like potato pancakes called latkes and doughnuts called sufganiyot
What is the story behind Hanukkah?
A: For the traditional story of Hanukkah, see here.
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