Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish holidays. As it is starting on December 25, we thought we would give an overview of the holiday, discussing the history and traditions of the holiday. This year, Hanukkah will occur between December 25 and January 2.
The origins of Hanukkah date back to the second century BCE. According to legend, the Jewish people were celebrating a holiday by lighting the Holy Temple’s menorah, which is a seven-branched candelabrum, for many nights. However, they only had enough oil to light the menorah for one day. The oil ended up lasting for eight days.
While the day Hanukkah varies each year, it typically begins towards the end of November or beginning of December. Each night, a candle is lit. By the eight day, all the candles on the menorah are lit.
Aside from lighting the manorah, families have many other traditions for Hanukkah. The traditional food are Latkes, which are potato pancakes. It is tradition to spin the dreidel, a four-sided top. Families also traditionally give out gifts over the course of the eight days. Another tradition is for parents to give their children gelts, or gifts of money.
If you want to learn more about Hanukkah, check this link for a great song about the holiday.
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