Hannukah
[A Jewish Festival] A Jewish festival that occurs in December (the Hebrew month Kislev), also spelled Chanukah...
Updated On: 10/25/2009  [Total Votes: 487, Hits: 1530] Print

Hannukah {hah'-nuh-kuh} is a Jewish festival that occurs in December (the Hebrew month Kislev), also spelled Chanukah, (also called The Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, Feast of the Maccabees) marks the reconsecration of the Temple of Jerusalem after its recapture from the Syrian Greeks c.165 BC. A miracle recorded in the Talmud - the burning of a day's supply of pure olive oil for eight days, until fresh jars of clean oil could be brought into the temple - accounts for the eight days during which candles are kindled during Chanukah. The eight-branched candelabrum has become a symbol of the holiday.

Chanukah was instituted by the MACCABEES, leaders of the Jews who fought against the Syrian Greeks. The Maccabees took over as the priests of the Temple and as the rulers of the Jewish state that they founded. Songs and stories associated with the holiday therefore refer to the Maccabees, particularly to Judas Maccabee, and to their victory: "the weak over the strong, the few over the many, and those who fear Thy Name over those who desecrate it." Chanukah is also called the Festival of Lights, the Feast of Dedication, or the Feast of Maccabees.

Although one of its attributes is the exchange of gifts, Hannukah is not the "Jewish Christmas." It does not have the highly religious importance of Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur in the Jewish calendar. Its significance varies depending on which denomination of Judaism a celebrant follows.

In Israel, Hannukah is nationally observed, but the only main closings are schools, which close for the whole week. (The most religiously observant Jews may refrain from business and other activities by private choice.) It is not a government or official business holiday.

Background History :
Hanukkah is an eight-day religious festival focusing on themes of freedom and liberty. It is a warm, enjoyable and friendly observance. On each evening of the festival, a candle is lit on the nine-branched Jewish candelabrum called the menorah, and blessings are sung. The lighting of the menorah is a symbolic act linked to the historical re-consecration of the Temple of Jerusalem. The holiday is seen as a special celebration for children, with the spinning of the Jewish top called the dreidel, and featuring gifts such as Hannukah gelt, gold coins or coin-shaped chocolates wrapped in gold foil. Other monetary gifts include bonds and checks. Families have different traditions related to gift-giving-a larger gift may be offered on one day of the festival, with smaller items given on the other seven days; or gifts may be placed in front of the menorah with people picking a different one each night.

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