Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom -- a principle that remains as relevant today as it was 2,200 years ago, when the story of Hanukkah takes place. At that time, the land of Judea (modern day Israel) was ruled by the Greco-Syranian king Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecuted the Jews by forcing them to worship Greek gods and forbidding them to practice their own religion. A revolt was organized by Judah Maccabee and his four brothers. Although the odds were stacked against them, the rebels drove the Greco-Syranians out of Judea.
Upon victory, the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple and removed the Greek idols and symbols that had been placed there. However, they found that the Greco-Syranians had defiled the oil that was needed to burn the Temple's menorah, which was supposed to burn without interruption. There was only enough oil for one day. But miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and eight nights, at which time more purified oil was available. In celebration, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, for eight days and eight nights.
What Is a Menorah, and How Do You Light it?
The traditional menorah is actually a seven-tiered candelabrum. The candelabra Jews light in their homes during Hanukkah are actually called hanukiah, but they're generally referred to as a menorah or Hanukkah menorah.
As an important part of the celebration of Hanukkah, Jewish families light the hanukia (or Hanukkah menorah) in their home to commemorate the miracle of oil that lasted eight days. The Hanukkah menorah is a candelabrum that holds nine candles. The middle candle holder is raised above the other eight. On each night of Hanukkah, the family lights one candle, called the shamus. The shamus is used to light the other Hanukkah candles. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit by the shamus; on the second night, two candles are lit; and so forth for eight days. The candles are lit sequentially from right to left, which is how the Hebrew language is written. After the candles are lit, the family says the traditional Hanukkah blessings. This ceremony takes place after sundown, as do all Jewish holidays.
What Is the Correct Spelling?
Hanukkah is a Hebrew word that means "dedication" or "consecration." In English, it is commonly spelled as Hanukkah, Chanukkah, or Chanukah.
When Is Hanukkah, and Why Isn't it Always the Same Eight Days?
Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, and Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This occurs at some point during the month of December and occasionally starts at the end of November.
What Are Latkes?
Latkes are potato pancakes that are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Often they are served with apple sauce, sour cream, or jam. They're fried in oil, which commemorates the oil that burned for eight days in the Temple. Here's some more latke information and recipes.
What Is a Dreidel?
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that has a Hebrew letter on each side. Children play a game with the dreidel during Hanukkah.
Is Hanukkah the Jewish Equivalent of Christmas?
No, Hanukkah has nothing to do with Christmas. It just falls around the same time.
Is Hanukkah an Important Jewish holiday?
Yes, but it's not the most important or significant of the Jewish holidays. Hanukkah gets lots of attention because it falls around the same time as Christmas, therefore becoming part of the "holiday season." Many Jews are a little frustrated that the most significant Jewish holidays--Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover--aren't as well-known as Hanukkah.
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