Hanukkah 2024: Who and Why It Celebrated for 8 Days? Know the Significance of the Jewish Festival

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish holiday. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The festival lasts for eight days and symbolizes the miracle of the menorah. The small amount of oil was supposed to last only one day, but it burned in the temple for eight days. The event is the centerpiece of Hanukkah celebrations.

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During this joyful time, families light menorahs, exchange gifts, enjoy holiday foods like latkes, and play dreidel games.

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The Story of Hanukkah: Why is it Celebrated?

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish holiday known as the “Festival of Lights” celebrated over eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev.

The Hebrew word “Hanukkah” translates as “dedication,” reflecting the holiday’s central theme: the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Seleucid Empire in 164 B.C.

Key points on why Hanukkah dates change:

1. Lunisolar Calendar: The Hebrew calendar consists of months based on the lunar cycle, meaning each month begins with a new moon. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is based solely on the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This fundamental difference results in differences in date alignment between the two calendars.
2. Fixed dates on the Hebrew calendar: Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. However, due to changes in month lengths and leap years in the Jewish calendar, this date may fall anywhere between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar.
3. Overlap with other holidays: Hanukkah sometimes coincides with Christmas or other holidays, creating a unique cultural intersection. For example, Hanukkah in 2024 begins at sunset on December 25 and ends on January 2, 2025, a rare overlap with Christmas.
4. Historical Background: The celebration commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The miracle of Hanukkah involves a small amount of oil that lasts eight days, when it was originally expected to last only one.

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How is Hanukkah celebrated? Traditions and Customs

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs that reflect its historical significance and cultural heritage. The following are the main observances associated with this holiday:

1) Light the menorah

The most important ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, or Hanukkah, which has nine branches: eight for each night of the festival, and one for the shamsh (auxiliary candle).

Each night, an additional candle is lit, starting with one candle on the first night and ending with all eight candles lit on the last night. This act symbolizes the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the ancient temple.

2) Recite blessings

As the candles are lit, blessings are recited to acknowledge the importance of the holiday. Families often gather around the menorah to share the moment, creating a warm and spiritual atmosphere.

3) Eat traditional food

Food plays a central role in Hanukkah celebrations, with the emphasis being on dishes fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of oil. Popular foods include:

• Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
• Sufganiyot: jelly-filled donuts dusted with powdered sugar.

4) Play with top

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Another beloved tradition is playing dreidel, a four-sided spinning top engraved with Hebrew letters. The letters represent a phrase that means “a great miracle happened there.” The game has historical roots as it allowed Jewish children to secretly learn Torah while pretending to play during times of oppression.

5) Give gifts

Although gift-giving was not originally a traditional custom, gift-giving has become common in many families due to the influence of Christmas customs, especially in North America. Some families exchange gifts each night of Hanukkah, while others may give gelts (chocolate coins) to their children.

6) Public celebrations

Public menorah lighting has become popular in recent years, especially in the Chabad Hasidic community. These events foster community spirit and allow the wider public to participate in Hanukkah celebrations.

7) Community gathering

During Hanukkah, families often gather together for holiday meals and parties. Sharing stories of resilience and courage is common, reinforcing the holiday’s themes of faith and perseverance.

8) Songs and Music

Singing traditional Hanukkah songs adds to the festive atmosphere. Songs often celebrate the history and wonder associated with Hanukkah, enhancing community joy and connection during this time.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion