Why do we celebrate Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days. According to the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev, which usually falls in late November or early December. But why is Hanukkah celebrated? In this article, we will review the history, meaning and traditions of Hanukkah.

History of Hanukkah

The Hanukkah celebration dates back to 165 BC, when the Jews rebelled against the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried to force the Jews to adopt Hellenistic culture and religion, which led to the prohibition of the practice of the Jewish religion and the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews, led by Judas Maccabeus, revolted and finally succeeded in liberating the temple.

Temple Rededication

After the revolt, the Jews wanted to rededicate the temple to their use. In this connection, they found only a small amount of pure oil, which was normally enough for only one day. Miraculously, however, the oil burned for eight days, giving them time to make more pure oil. This miracle is the central event of Hanukkah and the reason why the celebration lasts for eight days.

Meaning of Hanukkah

Hanukkah symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. It is a celebration that emphasizes the importance of faith, courage and perseverance. Hanukkah is also a reminder of the Jewish cultural and religious identity and their right to practice their religion freely.

Hanukkah Traditions

Many traditions and customs are associated with Hanukkah, the most famous of which are:

• Lighting the menorah: Each night one more candle is lit in the eight-branched candlestick, the menorah, until all eight candles are lit.
• Foods: Hanukkah includes eating foods fried in oil, such as latki (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts). These foods are reminiscent of the oil miracle.
• Dreidel game: A dreidel is a four-sided wheel that children spin during Hanukkah. Each page has a Hebrew letter that together form the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” (a great miracle happened there).
• Gifts and charity: During Hanukkah, it is customary to give gifts, especially to children, and practice charity.

Summary

Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates the victory of the Jews over their oppressors and the rededication of the temple. It is a celebration that emphasizes the importance of light, faith and perseverance. The traditions and customs of Hanukkah, such as lighting the menorah, eating foods fried in oil, and playing the dreidel game, make it a special and meaningful holiday for Jews around the world.

Read more about Hanukkah at Jewish Virtual Library.