What is Hanukkah also known as?

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 is a simple explanation of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. It also celebrates a miracle that happened during this time, where just a day’s supply of oil allowed the menorah (Hanukkiah or Hanukkah Menorah) in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem to remain lit for eight days.

What is the miracle of Hanukkah?

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. Ultimately, eight candles are lit on the final night of the holiday.

Is Hanukkah a religious holiday?

Although a relatively minor holiday in strictly religious terms, Hanukkah has attained major cultural significance in North America and elsewhere, especially among secular Jews, due to its occurring around the same time as Christmas.

Why do Jews celebrate Hanukkah kids?

Hanukkah (also Chanukah) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The word Hanukkah means rededication. Every year, the celebration honors the hard-fought victory of those trying to keep their faith despite a powerful enemy.

Do Jews celebrate birthdays?

Hasidic and Orthodox Jews adhere the most strictly to Jewish birthday traditions. Birthdays have not always been special for those of the Jewish faith, but most do celebrate birthdays and believe the anniversary of your birth is an auspicious day.

Where is the world largest menorah?

Grand Army Plaza
Lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah in Manhattan. See the lighting of the world’s largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza, south of Central Park from Thursday, December 10 through Thursday, December 17! The menorah is 32 feet tall and weighs about 4,000 pounds!

What is the first night of Hanukkah called?

6 is the first night of Hanukkah, so here’s a quick primer on the Jewish Festival of Lights. The holiday lasts eight days and will run this year through Dec. 14. The key ceremony at the center of Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is lighting a menorah each night.

What is the Star of David used for?

The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.