Each year Hanukkah is celebrated on the Jewish calendar’s 25 Kislev. In America, this means that it will be celebrated from December 16-24 this year. Hanukkah is a special time for families to come together, light the menorah and share in delicious food and fun games together.
What is it?
Hanukkah is a celebration of the small Jewish army, the Maccabees, defeating the very large Greek-Syrian army that had come to Israel to invade it. After this victory, the Jews were able to worship freely in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and decided to purify it. However, there was only one flask of oil available for the eternal lamp. This mean that the lamp should of only burned for one day. Miraculously the lamp burned for 8 days and 8 nights, which coincidentally lasted until more oil was able to be obtained. This is why Hanukkah is often referred to as the Festival of Lights.
What Happens On Hanukah?
The menorah consists of 8 candles and a candle holder in the middle called a Shamash. On each night of Hanukkah the Shamash is used to light one candle for each of the 8 nights. By the eighth night, all the candles are lit. After the menorah lighting, kids play games like dreidel where they win chocolate covered coins called gelt. In some households children receive one present on each night of Hanukkah. In addition to all of this, families gather together and eat an abundance of fried food. Popular foods include latkes which are basically pancakes that are made out of onions and potatoes as well as jelly filled donuts called sufganiyot. The reason why fried foods are so popular on Hanukkah is because it is a way to celebrate the miracle of the oil that lasted 7 days longer than it should have.
Fun Facts About Hanukkah
– In the past, the menorah was put outside of the front door during Hanukkah. Today, most households display it in a window that faces the street.
– When placing the candles in the menorah you should put them in from right to left, but light them from left to right.
-The meaning of the word “Hanukkah” is dedication.
– The dreidel, also known as the sivion, has four sides and there is a different Hebrew letter on each side.
-In Israel, around 17.5 million donuts are eaten during Hanukkah.
-There are about 150 calories in one latke.
If you will be celebrating Hanukkah with your family, make sure you have some delicious food for us. Have a safe and happy Hanukkah!
