What does Hanukkah represent?

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Where did the word Hanukkah come from?

The name of the holiday, Hanukkah, comes from the Hebrew word for “dedication,” “consecration” or “inauguration.” It refers to the Jews’ rededication of the Second Temple in the second century B.C.E., after the Hellenistic Greeks of Syria had desecrated it by using it for the worship of Greek gods and the sacrifice of …

dedication
Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

What miracle does Hanukkah celebrate?

miracle of the one cruse of oil
Today, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah lasts eight days to remember, and celebrate, the miracle of the one cruse of oil lasting eight days. One candle is lit on the first night, and a candle is added each night.

How is the Jewish holiday of Chanukah celebrated?

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.

What’s the history of the celebration of Hanukkah?

History of Hanukkah. The Hanukkah “Miracle”. Other Interpretations of the Hanukkah Story. Hanukkah Decorations and Traditions. Photo Galleries. The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up …

What’s the custom of giving gifts on Chanukah?

The original custom of giving gifts is actually that of giving “Chanukah gelt ” or Chanukah money. (There is no specific custom in terms of giving every day; some give every night, some give on the fourth and/or fifth night—it is really up to each individual.)

What’s the best way to celebrate Hanukkah as an adult?

Although Hanukkah takes place during the Christian holiday season, it is not the “Jewish Christmas,” as some have mistaken it for. Great Hanukkah gifts for adults include beautiful Hanukkiah candles, nice cooking oil, or a Jewish cook book. Eat foods cooked in oil. Hanukkah just wouldn’t be the same without the traditional latkes and applesauce.