In light of Hanukkah beginning at sunset yesterday (December 20), I decided to create several blog entries about the different holidays celebrated around this time of the year.
The first holiday, is Hanukkah (dedication) or Chanukah. Hanukkah is celebrated by the Jewish culture and it started at sunset yesterday.
What's Hanukkah and why is it celebrated?
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
The Hanukkah Miracle
According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the re-dedication of the Second Temple witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish sages to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.
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| Hanukkah Latkes or Potato Pancakes are eaten during Hanukkah. |
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| Hanukkah Sufganiyot or Jelly-Filled Doughnuts are eaten during Hannukah as well. |
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Hanukkah Gelt ("Hanukkah money") in gold is a gift given during Hanukkah.
And the Dreidel (four-sided spinning top) in silver is a game played during Hanukkah. |
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| The Menorah and The Shamash |
The Menorah, Hanukiah, or Chanukkiyah, a nine-branched candelabrum, is lit each day during the eigth day holiday of Hanukkah.
The ninth holder, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), is for a candle used to light all other candles.
Happy Hanukkah to everyone that celebrate it! :)
Love always,
LaTasha B.
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