The 'festival of lights' in Judaism is Hanukkah, which is also spelt Chanukah and various Hebrew transliterations. In the menorah, a multi-branched candelabra, Jews burn one extra candle on each of the eight evenings in a row. The rededication of Jerusalem's Second Temple, which took place approximately 200 BC, is commemorated on this holiday. The Maccabean Revolt, in which the Jewish people rose up against their Greek and Syrian overlords, supposedly took place around this period.
Hanukkah quite literally means dedication, and the festival commemorates the rededication of Jerusalem's Temple in the second century BC when a band of Jewish rebels freed it from foreign occupiers. They lit the menorah with the little amount of ceremonially pure oil they had discovered in the temple, and it remained ablaze for eight days. In honour of this remarkably long-lasting oil, there is a nightly candlelight ceremony and a focus on cooking delicacies in oil, such as latkes, which are potato pancakes.
Modern Israel celebrates Hanukkah as a national holiday with performances of plays, music, and celebrations by students. On this Jewish holiday, schools are off and notable buildings, including the Knesset, and the Israeli parliament, display menorahs. An important part of the eight-day celebration is the yearly relay that goes from Modiʿin to Jerusalem. From Modiʿin forward, runners will be navigating the streets with torches around them. The runners won't stop until the last torchbearer reaches the Western Wall, the Temple's last remaining structure. To light the first candle of a gigantic menorah, the top rabbi takes the torch from the torchbearer and lights it.
How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Every home lights a menorah and places it in a prominent spot, such a doorway or window sill, to represent the light that God has sent to all countries. In recent years, menorah lighting in parks and city streets, sometimes even in front of famous monuments, has been more common across the globe. Many also include charitable donations and community service as part of their menorah celebrations, reflecting the conviction that Jews are commanded by God to strive for a better world.
Traditional Hanukkah foods to try
Challah
This classic Jewish bread, which symbolises the manna that God provided to the Israelites as they wandered the desert in the Bible, is a staple on every Hanukkah table. Crafted into a thick braid and topped with an egg wash, this crispy side dish is the ideal vehicle for soaking up the flavourful beef juices.
Kugel
Egg noodles cooked with sugar, eggs, and sour cream make up the filling of the Central European sweet dish known as Kugel. In addition to raisins, you may also add spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The taste of this decadent dish brings back cherished holiday memories and ranks high on many people's lists of favourite Hanukkah meals.
Rugelach
This rendition of classic European pastries, Rugelagh Sweets, is a priceless gem and an essential Hanukkah dish. A mainstay in every good bakery, rugelach has its roots in Poland. The dough for these delicate crescent pastries is made with sour cream and cream cheese, which gives them an indescribably decadent taste. Inside, you'll find almonds, dried fruits, or chocolate.
Latkes
Perhaps the most famous Hanukkah dish is these fried potato pancakes. In honour of the oil that burned in the temple lights, they are fried in oil. As a side dish, they are usually topped with applesauce and made of shredded potatoes and onions, similar to hash browns.
Traditional Hanukkah gifts
Yiddish Poetry collection
Although the Ashkenazi speak Yiddish as their native tongue, the reality is that almost everyone knows a little bit of the language. If you find yourself uttering 'oy vey' in response to a minor inconvenience, you've already demonstrated some proficiency in Yiddish! Included in the Yiddish Magnetic Poetry Kit is a little Yiddish dictionary and over 300 words in both Yiddish and English, perfect for writing ‘Yiddish’ poetry. It's a perfect way to introduce yourself to the Jewish culture!
Menorahs
In addition to being beautiful decorations for Shabbat and Jewish festivals, menorahs may be used whenever you need a gentle candlelight ambience in any space.
Handmade challah boards made of hardwood are another common Jewish housewarming present. The mahogany, maple, or walnut used to make the handcrafted boards are prized possessions in every Jewish household. A jewelled challah knife and an embroidered challah linen also make a special Jewish housewarming present.
A high-quality kiddush cup—or even better, a set that includes a silver tray—is an essential item for every Jewish household. Inviting the Sabbath and Jewish festivals requires this essential item.
Happy Hanukkah in Hebrew
Chag sameach, pronounced [khag sah-meh-ahkh], is a way to wish someone a good Hanukkah! Chag Hanukkah sameach, pronounced [khag khah-nuh-kuh sah-meh-ahkh], is an alternative that is somewhat more Hanukkah-specific. Impress your Jewish friends by practicing this phrase this Hanukkah!