Hanukkah, actually Chanukah is a festival of lights that begins annually on the evening of Kislev 25, which is December according to the Hebrew calendar. It is also referred as Feast of Dedication or the Feast of Maccabees. Hanukkah is a religious observance by the Jewish community which is celebrated for eight days, this year it started on Wednesday, December 25 and will end on Thursday, January 02,2025. On each day of the festival, people light candles to commemorate the recovery of Jerusalem and the second temple’s rededication, symbolizing light in darkest of times. Hanukkah is a reaffirmation of Judaism’s ideals.

Hanukkah coincides with Christmas, but it not the same. In this article, know about the meaning of the festival, along with its history, associated traditions and celebrations today:

The history

Hanukkah is the festival that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees. They were the first of the Jews who fought for their religious beliefs. Mattathias and his son Judas Maccabeus won against the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes after a three- year struggle. Antiochus took control over Judaea, tried converting Jews Hellenistic and demolished the second Jerusalem temple, services were stopped and it was looted. He even ordered sacrificing of pigs at the altar of the temple.

The temple was restored to its sanctity by Judas on Kislev 25. It was then proclaimed that the temple’s restoration was to be celebrated as a festival for eight days. The practice of lightning candles for eight days has a different story that has a mention in the Talmud. When Judas entered the temple after the victory, he found a small jar of oil. The oil was only enough to burn for a day, but as a surprising miracle it continued for eight days.

While Hillel taught one candle to be lit on every day of the festival since the first night of Kislev, Shammai held that all eight candles should be lit the first night only (the number decreasing one, the nights followed).

The modern day popularity of Hanukkah rose in the mid- 19^th century by the Reform Judaism Rabbis in Cincinnati, USA. Hanukkah was remake by the rabbis as a fun, enjoyable holiday. The Jews could maintain their unique identity. Hanukkah falling at the same time as Christmas adopted similar traditions and festivities of the latter. Hanukkah themed glittery decorations, lights, merry songs and even gift giving have been included in the celebrations today. It is only about rejoicing and praising the lord.

The traditions

Hanukkah follows many religious and non-religious customs. Some of these are:

Menorah- Each evening there is the lighting of Menorah or the Hanukkah lamp. It is like the temple lampstand that has a candelabra with eight branches and a holder for the shammash (servant candle) that lights the other candles. One candle is lit on each night by offering prayers, until the eight candles burn on the eighth day. Earlier, olive oil was used for lightning, but with time it got replaced by candles. 

Prayers-

There is a reading of scripture, psalm recitation, almsgiving and singing of hymn. It also includes Hallel, public readings from Torah, and al-ha-nissim (for the miracles) prayer. People offer special thanksgiving to God, and instill the Jewish values of strength, perseverance and continuity.

There are no work restrictions in Hanukkah, unlike the Purim. It is even forbidden to lament or fast in the eight days of the festival.

The non-religious customs include gift giving, singing songs, playing games and organizing feasts. The miracle of the oil is recalled through treats fried in oil like the doughnuts and potato pancakes. Hebrew sevivon (four-sided top called dreidel, the Hebrew letter is mentioned on each side of the top) and card playing are the common games played. Hanukkah gelt is a practice of giving gifts and presents for money.

Israel observes a national holiday on Hanukkah. Menorahs are displayed on main buildings, including the Israeli Parliament. There is annual relay held from Modi’ in to Jerusalem. The final torchbearer reaches the Western Wall which is the last remnant of the temple and the chief rabbi uses it to light the first candle of the giant menorah.

And then after eight days, this festival of dedication and lights will end the coming year on January 02. Happy Hanukkah!!!