When is Hanukkah Celebrated?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is also known as the Festival of Lights because it is celebrated by lighting a menorah, a nine-branched candelabra.
When is Hanukkah Celebrated?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. This usually falls in late November or early December.
The holiday lasts for eight days, and each night a new candle is lit on the menorah. The eighth and final night is called Zot Hanukkah, or “This is Hanukkah”.
History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The Seleucids had tried to force the Jews to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture. The Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, revolted and fought for their religious freedom.
After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were victorious. They reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to God. The menorah was lit to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
Traditions of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including:
- Lighting the menorah: The menorah is lit each night of Hanukkah, and a special blessing is recited.
- Playing dreidel: Dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that is played during Hanukkah. The letters on the dreidel stand for the Hebrew words “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham”, which means “A great miracle happened there”.
- Eating latkes and sufganiyot: Latkes are potato pancakes that are fried in oil. Sufganiyot are jelly-filled doughnuts that are also fried in oil. These foods are eaten to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the power of faith. It is also a time to celebrate the miracles that God has performed throughout history.
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