The main difference is that Orthodox Jews are less likely to exchange presents or do anything may have been borrowed from Christmas. Also, the Orthodox light the Hanukkah-menorah with olive oil, not candles; and they are careful to say all of the appropriate blessings, prayers, and Torah-reading.
Not really. Hanukkah is not a particularly religious holiday. It is a historical commemoration.
The main difference is that Orthodox Jews are less likely to exchange presents or do anything may have been borrowed from Christmas.
Answer:The above answer is mistaken. Hanukkah was instituted by the Torah Sages (Talmud, Shabbat 21b) as a religious occasion, with blessings and added prayers.1) Jewish tradition describes Hanukkah as a religious occasion of showing gratitude to God, with special prayers, blessings, and Torah-readings. The Orthodox may be more likely to fulfill all the requirements in detail. 1a) Hanukkah's commemoration of the military victory is seen as less important than the miracle of the oil in the Temple (see more on this linked page).
2) The Orthodox are more likely to use olive oil in their menorahs, which is traditional, rather than candles, which are less ideal.
3) The Orthodox may be more likely to avoid non-Jewish influences such as gaudy decorations and gift-giving.
The only real difference is the language spoken in the home during the holiday. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same.
Gifts do not go with the lamp.Gift giving during Hanukkah is a modern practice that only stated a few decades ago, among non-Orthodox Jews. It has nothing to do with the lamp (called a Chanukiah or Hanukkah-menorah).
There are no festivals similar to Hanukkah at all. However, among non-Orthodox Jews, Hanukkah has borrowed some practices from Christmas, such as gift giving, which give the appearance of a similarity. But actually, the only traditional gift during Hanukkah is the gelt (coins) given to children.
Influence from Christmas has created some modern "traditions" in Hanukkah among the non-Orthodox, such as gift giving and themed decorations. Hanukkah has also been elevated from a relatively minor holiday to a seemingly major holiday on the Jewish calendar, particularly in the eyes of non-Jews.
No, you cannot get married during the period when Orthodox Lent begins and Orthodox Easter, as Great Lent is a period of mourning and fasting. You can get married before Lent or after Easter, but not during Lent.
Jews practice the beautification of the menorah during Hanukkah.
There is no special way of acting during Hanukkah, except maybe to be happy, and grateful to God for the miracles which Hanukkah commemorates.
Fasting is prohibited during Hanukkah (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 18b).
Yes.
There is no city that is called the city of lights during Hanukkah. Paris is called the city of lights, but that has nothing to do with Hanukkah.
Any similarity would be the result of Christmas influencing Hanukkah. Because Christmas is such a big holiday, certain practices were borrowed by some Jews to celebrate Hanukkah, such as gift-giving and some decorating.But the traditional practice of Hanukkah has nothing in common with Christmas.It should be noted that Hanukkah as it is observed by Orthodox Jews is not influenced by Christmas at all.
There's really no such thing as "Hanukkah Dinner". Meals during Hanukkah have no special times associated with them. Jelly donuts or potato pancakes are traditional and may be served at any time during Hanukkah.