Chanukah is
an eight-day Jewish festival. It is called this because it commemorates the
rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following a victory over the
Syrian Greeks. It’s also known as “The Festival of Lights” because it starts at
sundown on December 24th and ends eight days later on January 1st.
What is the Meaning of Chanukah
Festival Of Lights?
The festival
of Chanukah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165
BCE. It starts with a special prayer after dark on the 25th day of Kislev and
continues for eight days.
The festival
of Chanukah is also known as the festival of lights because it commemorates one
day when there was enough oil to light a single lamp for just one day, but
miraculously that single lamp burned for eight days. The holiday is celebrated
with festivities and celebrations that include lighting candles, playing music
and giving gifts to children, in all Jewish homes.
Giving at this time
One way to celebrate Chanukah is by
giving. Giving to the needy, donating to charity, and taking time for yourself
are all ways to celebrate this Jewish holiday.
There are
many ways that one can give during Chanukah. One could donate money or goods,
volunteer their time, or spend time with family members. The most common way of
giving during Chanukah is through money. Gelt refers to the coins that people
give as gifts during the festival of Chanukah which runs from December
8th-December 16th each year. Children will often receive gelt (money) as
presents from friends and family members.
How Jews Celebrate Chanukah Around
The World
Despite the
fact that there is no one way to celebrate Chanukah, says Sam Kahn, Jews across
the world share some traditions.
Chanukah is
a lightful time of the year often occurring alongside Christmas. This national
holiday is made to brighten up people’s lives all over the world, regardless of
religion or culture.
Sam Kahn says, whichever religion you might
practice, Chanukah/Christmas, I think it’s all about the family gathering
together, exchanging gifts, and the food. For me says Sam Kahn, it’s about the
potato latkes and the jelly doughnuts. These foods are fried in oil to
commemorate how important it was that they found enough oil to light for one
says, Sam Kahn.
Jewish
children take such enjoyment at lighting the Chanukah candles one each night. It
is a Jewish tradition that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple of
Jerusalem after its desecration by Antiochus IV. The Temple was rededicated on
25 Kislev, 165 BCE and so, Jews celebrate this historic event by lighting one
candle each night for eight nights, says Samuel Nathen Kahn.
The Best
Ways To Spend Your Channuka Night
Looking for some Channuka Night fun
for the whole family? Here are some ideas to make your night festive,
meaningful, and enjoyable, says Sam Kahn.
- · You
could spend some time with your family and cook a Channuka dish together
- ·
You
could visit the synagogue for joyful service.
- ·
Look
at pictures of your grandparents or parents’ childhoods with you on Facebook or
visit their childhood home.
For more
insightful blogs please visit Sam Kahn website.

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