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The Story Behind Hanukkah
What’s Hanukkah All About?
Picture this: A tiny jar of oil that lasts eight whole nights, crispy potato pancakes sizzling in oil, and a spinning top game that kids (and adults!) love. That’s Hanukkah or Chanukah (both spellings work!), the Festival of Lights celebrated by Jewish families worldwide.
But what’s the big deal with Hanukkah? Why do people light candles, eat fried foods, and play with a spinning top called a dreidel? And why does it last eight nights instead of just one?
You’re in the right place if you’ve ever wondered about these traditions. Let’s break faith, food, and light down in the simplest way possible.
What is Hanukkah? The Meaning & Origins
The Name: “Dedication”
Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. The community celebrates the rededication of the second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago after a small group of Jewish fighters, the Maccabees, stood up against a much bigger, oppressive army.
The Miracle of the Oil
Here’s where things get cool. When the Maccabees won and reclaimed their temple, they found only one small jar of oil to light the menorah (a sacred lamp). It should have lasted just one night, but it burned for eight nights! That’s Hanukkah’s miracle, which is why we celebrate for eight days.
Who Celebrates Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, but you don’t have to be Jewish to appreciate its message of hope, resilience, and light. Jewish families everywhere—from New York to Tel Aviv—mark the holiday with candles, prayers, games, and delicious food.
When is Hanukkah? Key Dates
Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar, so the dates change yearly on the Gregorian (regular) calendar. It always starts on the 25th of Kislev & ends on the second or third of Tevet.
- 2024 Hanukkah Dates: December 25 – January 2
- 2025 Hanukkah Dates: December 14 – December 22
How Many Days is Hanukkah?
Eight nights! That’s why you’ll see Hanukkah menorahs with nine branches, one for each night, plus the shamash (the “helper” candle used to light the others).
4. Hanukkah Traditions: Light, Faith, and Rituals
Lighting the Menorah (Hanukkiah)
The star of Hanukkah is the menorah (or hanukkiah, the special 9-branched version). Here’s how it works:
- One candle per night: Starting with one candle on the first night, add one more each night until all eight candles glow on the final night.
- The shamash: That ninth candle? It’s the “helper” candle used to light the others (because the Hanukkah lights are sacred and shouldn’t be used for practical things, like lighting a room).
- The blessings: Before lighting, families say special prayers (like “Baruch Atah Adonai…”), thanking God for the miracles of Hanukkah.
Fun fact: The menorah is placed in a window or doorway to publicise the miracle, spreading light to others!
Playing Dreidel: The Spinning Top Game
If you’ve ever seen a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters, that’s a dreidel! Here’s the scoop:
- The letters stand for: Nes Gadol Haya Sham (“A great miracle happened there“) or Po (“here“) in Israel.
- How to play:
- Everyone gets gelt (chocolate coins or tokens).
- Spin the dreidel and follow the letter it lands on:
- Nun = Do nothing
- Gimel = Take all the gelt!
- Hey = Take half
- Shin = Put one in the pot
- Last player with gelt wins! (Or keep snacking on chocolate.)
Acts of Faith: Charity & Song
Hanukkah isn’t just about games and gifts; it’s also about:
- Tzedakah (charity): Giving to needy people (some families donate each night).
- Hanukkah songs: Like “Ma’oz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) or the upbeat “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!”
Traditional Hanukkah Foods (& Why They Matter)
The Golden Rule: Fried Food is Miracle Reminders
Since the Hanukkah miracle involved oil, it’s tradition to eat fried foods—yum! Here are the must-try classics:
- Latkes – Crispy potato pancakes, best served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Sufganiyot – Jelly-filled doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar.
- Brisket – Slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth festive meat.
- Kugel – A sweet or savoury noodle casserole (often with raisins or cinnamon).
- Rugelach – Flaky pastries stuffed with chocolate, nuts, or jam.
- Cheese dishes – Like cheese latkes, honouring Judith’s bravery (another Jewish heroine!).
- Challah – The braided bread, sometimes twisted into a Hanukkah menorah shape.
Modern twists: Vegan latkes (try zucchini or sweet potato!), gourmet sufganiyot (Nutella-filled, anyone?), or baked “faux-fried” versions.
Hanukkah vs. Other Holidays
Hanukkah Isn’t the “Jewish Christmas”
Because Hanukkah often falls in December, some people think it’s like Christmas, but nope!
- Different origins: Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth; Hanukkah is about Jewish resilience and a miracle.
- Gift-giving? Traditionally, Hanukkah wasn’t about gifts, just gelt (coins). The gift trend grew from cultural overlap with Christmas.
- Scale: Hanukkah’s a minor Jewish holiday (Passover and Yom Kippur are bigger). But thanks to its timing and fun traditions, it’s become a favourite!
FAQs About Hanukkah Traditions
What are some Hanukkah traditions?
The big three are:
- Lighting the menorah (adding a candle each night).
- Playing dreidel (and winning chocolate gelt!).
- Eating fried foods (latkes, sufganiyot, bring on the oil!).
Bonus traditions: Singing Hanukkah songs, giving to charity (tzedakah), and exchanging small gifts(a newer custom).
What are traditional Hanukkah foods?
The oiliest, tastiest ones! Think:
- Latkes (crispy potato pancakes)
- Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts)
- Brisket, kugel, rugelach and more!
Why 8 nights?
Because of the Miracle of the Oil! One day of oil burned for eight days in the reclaimed Temple.
Do all Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah?
Most do, but it’s not the most religiously significant Jewish holiday (that’s Passover or Yom Kippur). Some focus more on the cultural side, lighting candles, eating latkes, and gathering with family.
Is Hanukkah like Christmas?
Nope! Different holidays happen to fall around the same time. Hanukkah is about Jewish survival and miracles, while Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth. The gift-giving overlap is mostly modern.
Keep the Light Alive!
Hanukkah is a holiday of light, resilience, and joy, a time to remember that small acts of courage (and a little oil!) can do amazing things. Whether you’re Jewish or just curious, you can celebrate too by:
- Lighting candles (even a small menorah counts!).
- Frying up some latkes (pro tip: add a little onion for extra crunch).
- Spinning a dreidel (chocolate gelt = mandatory prize).
- Sharing the light, inviting friends over, donating to a cause, or just enjoying the cosy glow of the season.