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Hanukkah
The festival of lights, as it is often called, is a celebration of both Jewish spiritual values and the triumph of the Jews over the armies of Antiochus IV.
984 Questions
In what countries is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival. It is celebrated in everycountry where there are Jewish people.
Countries with the greatest Jewish populations are:
- Israel
- U.S.A.
- France
- Canada
- U.K. (United Kingdom)
- Russia
But any country which has even a single Jewish home can be said to have Hanukkah celebrated in them.
When are you allowed to participate in the lighting of a Menorah?
There are no restrictions on who can light the menorah. Anyone can, as long as they're able to light candles.
When the candle are lit on the menorah they are a symbol?
A story in the Talmud (500 years after the Maccabean War) tells of a legendary miracle. After the war, When the Jews returned to rededicate the Ancient Temple, they found that there was only enough oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for 1 day. It would take 8 days to make more of this special oil. So they lit the lamp, and it miraculously burned for 8 days, giving them plenty of time to make more oil to keep the lamp burning.
Although this is just a legend, in modern times, we light candles to symbolize the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days.
Answer:The above answer is non-traditional. Our tradition is that the miracle of the oil did indeed occur and isn't just a legend. If it wasn't for the clear tradition of our Sages, Hanukkah would have been forgotten long ago.The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) were miraculously victorious. When they reached the Temple grounds, they immediately reconsecrated it to God. As part of this action, they relit the Menorah (Exodus ch.25), which was fueled with olive oil. However, it soon became apparent that there was only sufficient oil to keep the candelabra burning for one single day - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah symbolizes: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
TThe Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Is wine an appropriate gift for Hanukkah?
Yes. Be cautioned that if the family keeps kosher, it should be a kosher wine.
What special items might you see at Hanukkah?
- 1
Know what you're celebrating. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a band of Jewish warriors, the Maccabees, over the Syrian king Antiochus almost 2,200 years ago. After driving out the Syrians, the Maccabees reoccupied the Temple of Jerusalem, where they found enough oil to keep the menorah lit for only one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, hence the eight days of Hanukkah (which is derived from the Hebrew word for "rededication.") - 2
Light a menorah. One of the symbols most closely associated with Judaism. Our Hanukkah-menorahs are nine-branched candelabra used during the eight days of Hanukkah. On Hanukkah eve, celebrants light a "shamash" (usually the extra candle in the middle of the menorah), then use this lit candle to light the first candle on the left. This ritual continues over the next eight days until all eight candles are lit. - 3
Sing some songs. There aren't so many Hanukkah songs, but you'll be surprised by their variety. Probably the most famous (at least to non-Jews) is "I Have a Little Dreidel," which is sung to accompany the dreidel game, a harmless game of chance in which kids win (or lose) candy by spinning a Hebrew-inscribed top.
- 4
Fry up some latkes. Practically every Jewish holiday has its traditional food: hamentaschen (triangle-shaped cookies) on Purim, matzoh (unleavened bread) on Passover, and latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) on Hanukkah. As tasty as they are, latkes might be unhealthy to eat for eight consecutive days, so feel free to explore the rest of the Jewish cookbook (flanken, gefilte fish, etc.)
- 5
Hand out presents. Here's where Hanukkah is very different from Christmas: kids usually don't receive one big "Hanukkah gift," but eight small gifts bestowed over the course of the holiday. Because eight big gifts in a row are an expensive proposition, Hanukkah gifts are usually small, but fun. Think: toy soldiers, to commemorate the Maccabees; or even a plain old Slinky.
How do you get the Hanukkah candles to stay stuck in the Menorah?
you can use a match to soften the bottoms before putting them in.
What are some lights and candles of Hanukkah?
the menorah and the nine candles are on it. the middle one lights the other eight.
Why is the tallest of the nine candles on a Hanukkah menorah known as the samash?
It is known as the shamash.
Shamash means servant. It's the servant candle because it's used to light the others.
Why was the Hanukkah interrupted?
There is no tradition of the holiday of Hanukkah being interrupted.
What are Hanukkah people named?
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. (They are not called "Hanukkah people")
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.
The small chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil are a modern version of a traditional Hanukkah gift called gelt or Chanukah gelt.
How did Hanukkah get its name?
The word means "dedication." It's when the Holy Temple was rededicated.
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up sacrifices to the idol. One of the leading elder Jewish sages called upon the people to keep observing the Torah anyway; and if necessary, to use force in resisting the decrees. When a Hellenized Jew offered a sacrifice to the Greek idols in a nearby village, the sage killed him as well as the Greek overseer. This brought a violent reaction from the Greeks; and the loyal Jews, led by the Hasmonean family, were forced to retreat from their towns and strike out at the Greeks in an attempt to oust them from the Holy Land and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Torah-Jews were heavily outnumbered by the attacking Greek armies, but God gave them miraculous victories again and again. After three years of struggle, the Greek armies retreated from Jerusalem, and the Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) entered the Holy Temple which the Greeks had defiled, reconsecrated it to God, and began the Temple service once more. Among other things, they wanted to relight the olive oil candelabrum (Exodus ch. 25), but could only find one day's supply of undefiled oil - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence was still there. The Torah-community was overjoyed, because God's presence meant everything to them.
This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "The Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
Where is it that they don't celebrate Hanukkah?
All Orthadox Jews Celebrate Chanukkah,
almost all non-Orthodox Jews also celebrate it as well.
What do the candles of Hanukkah celebrate in Judaism?
The candles on the hanukkiah (Hanukkah-menorah) represent the days that the oil miraculously burned. The story of Hanukkah begins in the sacking of the Second Temple around 170 BCE when the Syrian-Greeks outlawed the practicing of Judaism. A revolt ensued and in 165 BCE the revolt was successful and they were going to build a new altar and rededicate the Temple. They needed to have olive oil for the menorah and they were almost completely out of olive oil. They had enough for one day. They needed to make some more olive oil. They lit the oil they had and it miraculously lasted for eight nights (the time needed to make and bring the new oil). The complete story can be found in 1 Maccabees in the Septuagint.
Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs.
(The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil.
Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
What do people usually eat on Hanukkah?
Food cooked in oil, especially latkas (potato pancakes) and doughnuts. This symbolises the miracle which the festival celebrates when in the Temple which had been ransacked by the Greeks there was only enough oil to light a lamp for one day but miraculously the lamp burned for eight days.
What are the lyrics for chanukah festival of lights?
There are literally thousands of Hanukkah songs in many different languages. See related links for more information.
Answer:
The name of the most well-known Hanukkah song (to which the question presumably refers), is Maoz Tzur.
Describe how the menorah is used during the celebration of Hanukkah?
day1: 1 normal candle and a shamas (helper candle) are lit in the Hanukkah-menorah.
day 2: 2 normal candles and a shamas
day 3: 3 normal candles and a shamas
day 4: 4 normal candles and a shamas
day 5: 5 normal candles and a shamas
day 6: 6 normal candles and a shamas
day 7: 7 normal candles and a shamas
day 8: 8 normal candles and a shamas
the Chanukiah (Hanukkah-menorah) should be lit where it can be seen publicly so that the miracle of Chanukkah can be publicized.
Hanukkah is a Jewish occasion.
The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices such as Sabbath-observance and circumcision, rededicated the Jewish Temple to a Greek idol, and pressed the Jews to offer up sacrifices to the idol. One of the leading elder Jewish sages called upon the people to keep observing the Torah anyway; and if necessary, to use force in resisting the decrees.When a Hellenized Jew offered a sacrifice to the Greek idols in a nearby village, the sage killed him as well as the Greek overseer. This brought a violent reaction from the Greeks; and the loyal Jews, led by the Hasmonean family, were forced to retreat from their towns and strike out at the Greeks in an attempt to oust them from the Holy Land and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. The Torah-Jews were heavily outnumbered by the attacking Greek armies, but God gave them miraculous victories again and again.
After three years of struggle, the Greek armies retreated from Jerusalem, and the Hasmoneans (also called Maccabees) entered the Holy Temple which the Greeks had defiled, reconsecrated it to God, and began the Temple service once more.
Among other things, they wanted to relight the olive oil candelabrum (Exodus ch.25), but could only find one day's supply of undefiled oil - and it would take eight days to make and bring some more. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought.
The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence was still there. The Torah-community was overjoyed, because God's presence meant everything to them. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation).
The Torah-Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). This is why we light our Hanukkah-menorahs. (The Hanukkah-menorah, or hanukkiyah, is a special form of the original seven-branched menorah. Our Hanukkah-menorahs have eight spaces for oil, or candles, to mark each of the eight days for which the oil lasted, and a ninth to hold the shamash, a candle used to light the others.)
The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory and rededication of the Temple, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil. Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil.
It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "The Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes."
See also the Related Links.
What verse In the bible is Hanukkah in?
Hanukkah is not one of the Feasts of the Lord, given through Moses. The historical event that Hanukkah commemorates took place around 165 BC - long after the Old Testament had been completed. There is a verse in the New Testament that may or may not be referring to Hanukkah:
John 10:22 - "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter."
The Hebrew word - "hanukkah" (×—× ×›Ö¼×”) appears eight times in the Old Testament (coincidence?) and is translated in the KJV Bible as "dedication" and "dedicating"
Can Hanukkah candles be reused or do they have to burn all the way down?
They should be allowed to burn for at least one-half hour during and/or after twilight. What is left after that may be extinguished and reused.
Some halakhic (Torah-law) authorities prefer putting new candles (or oil wicks) each night. Others write that reusing the used ones has an advantage in that they're easier to light.
