Hanukkah << HAH nu kah >> is the name of an annual Jewish holiday that begins in November or December and lasts for eight days. It begins on the eve of the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. The dates of Hanukkah shift slightly from year to year, because the Hebrew calendar is based on the moon. The name Hanukkah means dedication in the Hebrew language .
The holiday commemorates and celebrates an event that took place in the winter of 165 B.C. A group of Jews led by Judah Maccabee captured the Temple in Jerusalem from forces loyal to Antiochus IV. Antiochus was a Syrian ruler who had tried to wipe out all distinctive Jewish beliefs and practices. Judah and his men immediately cleared pagan idols from the Temple, which they rededicated to the God of Israel.
Two ancient writings, called 1 and 2 Maccabees, tell the story of the Jewish struggle, in which many Jews died defending their traditions. These writings highlight warfare, directed by the Lord himself. Later Jewish accounts emphasize something not mentioned in earlier writings. They tell that when the Jews searched for pure oil to light the Temple’s menorah (multi-branched lamp), they found only one day’s supply. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, by which time more oil had been located. This story is the source of Hanukkah’s most popular nickname, the Festival of Lights.
Among the oldest Hanukkah traditions is the lighting of hanukkiyahs, special menorahs with eight branches. Hanukkah foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). These treats fried in oil recall the miracle of the oil in the Temple. Children play games with a four-sided top called a dreidel, decorated with writing that also recalls the Hanukkah miracle. In addition, it once was customary to make charitable donations to the poor during Hanukkah.
Historically, Hanukkah was considered a minor Jewish holiday. Unlike Rosh Ha-Shanah , Yom Kippur , Passover , and other holidays, it is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible . During the 1900’s, however, Hanukkah gained importance and popularity. Like the Christmas holiday, which falls around the same time of year, Hanukkah has become increasingly commercial. In Western countries, giving and receiving gifts has become a central part of both holidays, especially for many children.
