- by Adminneigh
Happy Hanukkah!
As the holiday season approaches, we want to share with you the magical Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, a time that illuminates our hearts and reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and light in our lives.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. After the Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, defeated the Syrian soldiers, they found a small jar of pure oil to light the menorah (seven-branded candelabrum) in the Temple. Miraculously, the oil burned for 8 days, allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple.
The story of Hanukkah dates back to the time of the Seleucid dynasty, when King Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to impose Greek culture on Judea. The Jews rebelled and, after a long struggle, managed to defeat the Syrian soldiers and reclaim the Temple. However, upon entering the Temple, they found it had been desecrated and only a small jar of pure oil remained to light the menorah.
- The Hanukkiah: The hanukkiah is a 9-branched candelabrum that is lit for 8 days, adding a candle each night.
- Food: Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts).
- Games: Children play with a dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters that symbolize the miracle.
- Gifts: Gifts are exchanged, and children receive money, known as “Hanukkah gelt”.
- Prayers: Special prayers are recited, and traditional songs are sung.
- Hanukkah is one of the most popular Jewish holidays, but it’s not the most important (that place belongs to Yom Kippur).
- The hanukkiah is placed in a window for passersby to see the light and remember the miracle.
- Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days, but the exact date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- The dreidel is a traditional game that originated during the Seleucid dynasty, when Jews would secretly study the Torah.
- Create a Hanukkiah: Children can create their own hanukkiah using recycled materials.
- Play Dreidel: Kids can play with a dreidel and learn about the tradition.
- Sing Songs: Children can sing traditional Hanukkah songs.
- Enjoy Treats: Kids can enjoy traditional Hanukkah treats like latkes and sufganiyot.
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