The Hanukkah season is a festive and fun time of year, where families gather to celebrate. This Jewish holiday commemorates a miracle that occurred in the 2nd century, when a small group of Jews defeated the powerful Syrian-Greeks. Today, Hanukkah’s central traditions involve lighting a menorah, exchanging gifts and playing games. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about their heritage as every night, new candles are added to the menorah and prayers are recited. Special foods like potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly donuts (sufganiyot) are also eaten during this eight day long festival – a real treat! Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday it’s still a perfect time to get together with friends and family for some cheerful get-togethers.
HISTORY OF HANUKKAH
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that dates back over two thousand years. It is the celebration of a great victory in 167 BC when a small group of Jewish warriors defeated the much larger Syrian-Greek army. The legend goes that when they reconsecrated the temple only one tiny flask of oil to light the sacred lamp was found, miraculously lasting for eight days. In commemoration of that miraculous event a feast was established with eight nights of food and lights – gifts were exchanged, coins were given to children and songs were sung. Hanukkah is an important time for many people around the world in celebrating faith and spiritual courage.
FIVE THINGS ABOUT HANUKKAH
- Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts for eight days and nights.
- The traditional menorahs hold nine candles — but only use eight of them since there’s one extra candle called the Shamash, which is used to light all other menorah candles!
- Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights or “Festival of Dedication” which dates back to the Greek translation name – “Dedication of Lights” – relating to the miracle oil that only burned for 8 days.
- Dreidels were originally used as an educational tool to discuss religious stories during a period in ancient history when Jewish people were being persecuted by governments who did not want them educated in religious studies.
- Hanukkah was also an agricultural festival full of food with special agricultural delicacies making it onto almost every traditional plate each year.
HOW TO CELEBRATE HANUKKAH
- Learn everything you need to know about Hanukkah by “Jewish Unpacked.”
- Purchase a menorah and candles.
- Purchase dreidels and learn the traditional game.
- 31 Hanukkah recipes from Bon Appetit.
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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
