Hanukkah is a Jewish Festival that begins on Kislev (the third month of the civil year and the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar) 25, lasting eight consecutive days.
According to Britannica, the lighting of candles on each day of the festival “ reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates, in particular, the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem”
Though Hanukkah wasn’t mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures it has come to be celebrated across the world as one of the most popular Jewish holidays.
People celebrate not only with the lighting of the menorah but also by playing dreidel, singing songs, and preparing delicious food, as explained by BBC. Children often receive money and gifts and families trade one present every night.
Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabeus who were the first Jews to fight for their religion and sacrifice their lives.
Britannica explains how in the Jewish religion, “Antiochus had invaded Judaea, tried to Hellenize the Jews, and desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem.” The Maccabees fought for 3 years and upon victory, Judas ordered the revival of the temple and, after purification, installed a new altar on Kislev 25. Judas declared the celebration of the temple should take place over 8 days starting on that date every year.
They explain how the celebration was compared to the festival of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths) which the Jewish people were prohibited from celebrating because of Anti-Cbus. Hanukkah was created as a celebration of dedication.
The menorah tradition doesn’t stem from the books of the Maccabees but was likely started early on. Some people believe that, according to the Talmud, when Judas Maccabeus had only one item not defiled by the attack, a small jar of oil. The jar should have only lasted a day, but it burned for eight days which established the precedent of an 8 day celebration.
How do you celebrate Hanukkah? Please share your traditions in the comments.
