Hanukkah

Definition

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. This festival commemorates the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of oil, sufficient for one day, lasted for eight days, allowing the Jewish people to celebrate their religious freedom after defeating the Seleucid Empire. The celebration involves lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying special foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hanukkah falls on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, usually occurring in late November or December.
2. Each night of Hanukkah, a candle is added to the menorah until all eight candles are lit by the final night.
3. The dreidel is a spinning top that is played with during Hanukkah, featuring Hebrew letters that represent 'A great miracle happened there.'
4. Hanukkah is not considered one of the major Jewish holidays but has gained cultural significance, especially in Jewish communities outside of Israel.
5. Traditionally, gifts are exchanged on Hanukkah, a practice that has become more common in modern celebrations.

Review Questions

• How does Hanukkah reflect themes of religious freedom and perseverance in Jewish history?
  • Hanukkah symbolizes the triumph of the Jewish people over oppression, as it commemorates their victory against the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of their Temple. This celebration highlights the importance of religious freedom and resilience in maintaining Jewish identity. The miracle of the oil serves as a reminder that faith and determination can overcome adversity.
• In what ways does Hanukkah differ from other major Jewish festivals in terms of its historical significance and practices?
  • Unlike major festivals such as Passover or Yom Kippur, which are rooted in ancient biblical events and observances, Hanukkah is centered around a historical event that occurred during the Second Temple period. The holiday features unique practices like lighting the menorah and playing dreidel, which are not typical in other festivals. While it holds cultural importance today, Hanukkah's observances are often more festive and communal compared to the solemnity found in other significant Jewish celebrations.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural practices associated with Hanukkah on contemporary Jewish identity and community life.
  • Cultural practices related to Hanukkah have significantly shaped contemporary Jewish identity by fostering a sense of unity and celebration within communities. The incorporation of gift-giving and festive meals like latkes and sufganiyot has made Hanukkah a time for families to come together and engage in shared traditions. This blending of cultural elements not only reinforces Jewish heritage but also helps younger generations connect with their roots while adapting to modern societal influences.

Related terms

Menorah: A nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah, with eight branches for each night of the festival and one central branch (the shamash) used to light the others.

Maccabees: A group of Jewish rebel warriors who led a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire, reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem and establishing the festival of Hanukkah.

Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts that are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah, symbolizing the oil used in the miracle of the festival.