Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to Jewish scholars, Hanukkah is one of the few Jewish holidays not found in the Torah, but the story of how Hanukkah came to be is contained in books 1 and 2 Maccabees. While there are a few versions of the event, Jewish scholars recognize the story of the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters who liberated the Land of Israel from the Syrian Greeks and rededicated the temple to the Hebrew god who inspired the holiday. Hanukkah, which also means ‘dedication,” commemorates the miracle of light that occurred when in the temple left behind was an intact vial of oil, just enough to light the temple’s candelabrum for one day. But it burned for eight days- enough time for the victorious Judeans to secure more oil. The miracle became the foundation of the beloved holiday to thank God and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holidays are celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the Hanukkiah. On each of the eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown, with the ninth candle, called the shamash(helper), used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday. Traditional Hanukkah foods, like potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot), are fried in oil and are particularly popular insufganiyot) are particularly popular for many Jewish households. Other customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. This year, Hanukkah begins the evening of December 25 and ends the evening of January 02, 2025.
Source: History and National Geographic
Here are some other ways to wish someone a happy Hanukkah:
- “May this festival bring blessings upon you and your family”
- “May your candles burn bright this season”
- “Wishing you prosperity, love, and laughter”
- “Let the light shine every day of your life”
- “Take joy in the Festival of Lights; spread joy and love to those you meet”
