What religions or cultures celebrate Hanukkah?

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.

What does Hanukkah believe in?

Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.

What is Hanukkah country of origin?

The origins of Hanukkah Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power.

Where does the story of Hanukkah come from?

The celebration of Hanukkah is based on a miracle that is believed to have occurred during the Temple’s re-dedication. According to a legend, when Judas and his supporters entered the Temple, they found that there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah burning for a day.

Why is Hanukkah important to the Hasidic movement?

Hanukkah has become a powerful public symbol of religious freedom. The New York–based Hasidic movement Chabad-Lubavitch promotes public menorah lightings around the world, including the National Menorah in Washington, D.C. Hanukkah has also been growing in popularity in Israel, although it is not a national holiday.

What did the Maccabean Jews do on Hanukkah?

On Hanukkah, the Maccabean Jews regained control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple. The name can be broken down into חנו כ”ה, ” [they] rested [on the] twenty-fifth”, referring to the fact that the Jews ceased fighting on the 25th day of Kislev, the day on which the holiday begins.

Is the holiday of Hanukkah the same as Christmas?

Hanukkah may be the Jewish holiday with which non-Jews are most familiar, due to its proximity to Christmas. It is not, however, the “Jewish Christmas” – it historically predates Christmas and is a very different celebration.