Hanukkah
History, Traditions, and Foods
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a holiday that is celebrated by Jewish to celebrate the Maccabees regaining the Temple of Jerusalem. It also commemorates the single oil candle that lasted for eight days, which is the miracle that is celebrated. It is celebrated on December 16 through the 24th, according to the Jewish calendar. To celebrate, we light the 9 candles on the menorah, eat special foods, and play games.
History
Traditions
The classical traditions of Hanukkah are to light the menorah, sing songs, pass out gelt to young children, and other traditions that families have created. Each year, families invite relatives and close friends. Then they will eat classic Hanukkah food, play the dreidel game, give gifts (especially to the young children), and pass out gelt. Each of these traditions are to celebrate the Maccabees earning back the Temple Jerusalem and the oil candle that lasted eight days, which they consider a miracle.
Special Instruments
Menorah
The menorah, or chanukiah, is a special candelabra with nine candles that symbolize light . The candles are lit during the eight-day holiday (the ninth candle, in the middle, is lit first and used lo light the other eight). These candles also represent the eight days that the single oil candle lasted when the Jews wanted to celebrate for regaining the Temple.