Why is Hanukkah Celebrated? Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is an annual Jewish celebration that lasts eight consecutive days. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of Maccabees. It celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC. Only one days worth of oil could be found for the rededication but it burned for eight days miraculously. This is recorded in various texts including the Talmud and Septuagint.
What People Do, And How Hanukkah is Celebrated Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals, prayers, and observances to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Each night a candle is lighted in the menorah, which is a special candelabrum. The menorah has eight branches and a holder for an extra candle to light the others. A blessing is said each night when the candles are lit. The first night one candle is lit, the second two, until all the candles are lit the last night. Hanukkah candles should be burned for a half hour after dark, which is normally done by lighting at dusk. Many fried foods are eaten to reflect the importance of oil, including latkes or potato pancakes. Fruit filled doughnuts are also very customary. Hanukkah is celebrated according to the Hebrew Calendar, at the 25th day of Kislev and begins at sunset which is the time the Jewish day begins. This means Hanukkah starts the day before it is noted on the Gregorian calendar, at sunset. Places to Be/See for Hanukkah Most of the Hanukkah traditions are based around the home and family. While extended family and friends may gather together to share the rituals it is more of a close spiritual holiday compared to the outgoing holidays celebrated by other religions. Many families rotate where the lights are lit or may light in more than one place to make sure everyone is able to celebrate with others. Hanukkah Activities Hanukkah activities include the lighting of the menorah, spending time with family and playing games such as dreidel. Each night children receive “gelt” from relatives which are often small coins, although larger sums can be given. Gelt can also be chocolate coins and is used in playing dreidel to bet along with small toys or other trinkets. Dreidel is often played by the entire family and can continue until one person wins the entire pot. It is thought dreidel was used to hide the fact that Jews were studying the Torah from the Greeks. When soldiers checked on them they would be seen to be gambling and spinning tops instead of learning. While Hanukkah is not a primary holiday it has gained ground based on its timing against the Christian holiday of Christmas. Jewish children often get a present on all eight days of Hanukkah so as to not feel left out of gift giving. Many Jewish parents give small gifts the first seven nights and a large gift the last night. |
