Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BC. This event followed a successful uprising against Greek-Syrian rulers known as the Maccabean Revolt. The celebration lasts for eight nights and days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar. Each night, an additional candle is lit by a helper candle called the shamash until all eight candles are illuminated on the festival’s final night.
Origins of Hanukkah
The origins of Hanukkah are rooted in a tumultuous period of Jewish history. When the Greeks under King Antiochus IV controlled the region, they sought to impose their culture and religion upon the Jewish people. This led to the desecration of the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and the outlawing of Jewish religious practices. In response, a small group of Jews led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers organized a rebellion. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees successfully drove the Greeks from Jerusalem and reclaimed the temple.
The Miracle of the Oil
Upon reclaiming the temple, the Maccabees set out to purify it by relighting the eternal flame, which symbolized God’s everlasting presence. However, they discovered there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep the flame burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which was the time needed to prepare and consecrate more oil. This event is considered the miracle of Hanukkah and is the reason why the festival lasts for eight days.
The Hanukkah Menorah
Central to the celebration of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, also known as the Hanukkiah. The menorah holds nine candles: one for each night of the festival, plus the shamash (servant candle) used to light the others. On the first night, one candle is lit using the shamash. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is lit until all eight are alight on the final night. The menorah is typically placed in a window or a prominent place within the home to publicize the miracle of the oil.
Traditions and Customs
Alongside the lighting of the menorah, Hanukkah is celebrated with various traditions and customs. These include playing with a dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters that stand for the phrase “A great miracle happened there.” Additionally, foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Exchanging gifts, especially among children, and singing Hanukkah songs are also common practices during the festival.
Significance of Hanukkah Today
Hanukkah holds a significant place in Jewish cultural and religious life. It serves as a reminder of the struggle for religious freedom and the resilience of the Jewish people in the face of oppression. While not one of the most sacred Jewish holidays, it is widely celebrated and has become particularly prominent in regions where Jews live alongside those observing Christmas, as a way to teach Jewish children about their heritage and maintain their cultural identity.
In contemporary times, public Hanukkah celebrations often include the lighting of large menorahs in prominent locations, such as city centers and public institutions. These events typically feature speeches, music, and communal participation, emphasizing the holiday’s themes of light, freedom, and miracle.
