Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in late November and early December.
Hanukkah holiday - interesting facts and information
- Origins: Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a small group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, over powerful Greek forces in the 2nd century BC, and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.
- The miracle of oil: One of the central elements of Hanukkah is the story of the miracle of the oil. After reclaiming the Temple, the Jews found only a small amount of holy oil, enough for one day. Nevertheless, the oil miraculously burned for eight days, allowing a new supply to be produced. This is the reason why the holiday lasts eight days.
- Menorah: During Hanukkah, people light a special candle holder called a menorah or chanukia. The menorah has room for nine candles: one for each of the eight days of the holiday, plus an additional one, called a "shamash," which is used to light the others.
- Traditions: Other traditions associated with Hanukkah include playing "dreidel" (a four-sided spinning wheel with Hebrew letters that is used in a gambling game), singing special songs and eating oil-fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts).
- Gifts: In some cultures, especially in the United States, it has become accepted to give gifts during Hanukkah, especially to children. Each day of the holiday, children receive small gifts.
- Meaning: Hanukkah is a celebration of joy and gratitude for the miraculous rescue. It is a time to celebrate Jewish identity, history and culture.