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Hanukkah -

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. It commemorates events from over 2,000 years ago, which occurred during a challenging period in Jewish history.

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Antiochus III -

Around 200 BCE, Antiochus III, the King of Syria, conquered Judea (also known as the Land of Israel). Despite practicing a different religion, Antiochus respected the inhabitants' beliefs and permitted them to freely practice Judaism.

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Antiochus IV Epiphanes -

Sadly, his son wasn't so accepting. Following his father's demise, Antiochus IV Epiphanes assumed the throne and purportedly banned Judaism, commanding the Jewish populace to worship Greek deities instead. 

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The massacre of Jerusalem -

In 168 BCE, he dispatched his troops to Jerusalem, resulting in the killing of thousands of people and the defilement of the revered Second Temple. According to historical records, an altar to Zeus was erected, and pigs were sacrificed within the sacred temple.

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The rebellion of the Maccabees -

Mattathias, a Jewish priest, along with his five sons, spearheaded a significant uprising against Antiochus IV. Following his demise, his son Judah Maccabee assumed leadership in the ongoing battle.

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Reclaiming Jerusalem -

In 164 BCE, the Jewish people, led by Judah, managed to expel the Syrian monarchy from Jerusalem. Judah then instructed his followers to purify and renovate the Second Temple, recommitting it to their religious beliefs.

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Lighting the menorah -

They lit the menorah, a seven-candle candelabrum symbolizing knowledge and creation. The menorah was supposed to be kept lit, but they only had enough oil to keep it going for a day. 

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The miracle of the oil -

The Hanukkah miracle took place as recorded in the Talmud, a prominent Jewish religious text. Judah and fellow followers witnessed this event while undertaking the mission of rededicating the Second Temple.

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The miracle of the oil -

Despite expectations for the oil to deplete and the candles to extinguish, the menorah miraculously stayed aflame for a duration of eight nights. This gave them the chance to acquire more oil to keep it lit. 

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The birth of Hanukkah -

The astonishing event prompted the Jewish elders to establish an eight-day celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew.

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Other interpretations -

Certain historians today have presented diverse interpretations regarding the origins of Hanukkah. According to one narrative, this event unfolded amidst a period of internal conflict between the Jewish population of Jerusalem; the traditionalists and the faction embracing Syrian practices, all transpiring under the authority of Antiochus IV.

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Other interpretations -

Some scholars argue that Hanukkah was a delayed celebration of Sukkot, a Jewish holiday often celebrated in September or October, postponed due to the rebellion against Antiochus IV.

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How is it observed? -

The focus of Hanukkah festivities revolves around a menorah with nine branches. Each night of the eight-day holiday, a fresh candle is placed and illuminated on the menorah after sunset. The ninth candle, called the shamash, is employed to kindle the rest.

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Festival of Lights -

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is associated with candles. During this holiday, both big public menorahs across the globe and smaller individual ones in homes are prominently showcased, emphasizing the importance of these illuminating symbols.

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The nightly ritual -

The candle is typically lit at night and a ritual is performed, which often includes reciting blessings.

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Sharing the miracle -

The menorah is commonly placed in a window, allowing others to be reminded of the miracle that sparked the holiday.

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Traditional cuisine -

During Hanukkah, it is customary to consume foods fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Sufganiyot, which are delicious deep-fried donuts filled with jam, are commonly enjoyed in many households.

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Traditional cuisine -

Certain families choose to consume a type of fried potato cake referred to as a latke. A debate persists regarding the ideal accompaniment, either sour cream or applesauce. Instead, why not enjoy both together?

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Gift giving -

Hanukkah traditions also incorporate exchanging gifts and specific toys. The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is bestowed upon children for play. Each side bears a letter from the Hebrew alphabet, representing the phrase "a great miracle happened there."

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History of the dreidel -

The tradition of playing dreidel is said to have originated from devout Jews who practiced their religion in secret during the time of Antiochus IV. These Jews would study the Torah in private, often in caves, but would switch to playing dreidels when Antiochus' soldiers arrived to search. This allowed them to hide their scrolls and avoid detection.

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Hanukkah and Christmas -

The commercial gift-giving aspect of Hanukkah has significantly expanded over time. This is, in part, because it coincides with Christmas, which is typically observed around the same time.

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The Hebrew calendar -

Hanukkah typically starts on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, usually in November or December.

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Is this the most significant Jewish holiday? -

While Hanukkah may be the most well-known Jewish holiday, many Rabbis do not view it as the most significant. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) hold much greater significance in their eyes.

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The rise of Hanukkah -

The growing popularity of Hanukkah, especially in North America, is mainly credited to businesses capitalizing on the holiday's proximity to Christmas. However, let's explore the true customs and practices of Hanukkah observed around the world.

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Washington, 2018 -

In Washington, D.C., a synagogue teaches pre-schoolers how to light a menorah a few days before Hanukkah begins.

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Berlin, 2012 -

To signify the start of Hanukkah, two Rabbis erect a sizable menorah in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

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London, 2005 -

In Stamford Hill, an Orthodox Jewish community nursing home showcases their menorahs on display in the window, where every resident has a personal menorah to light.

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Moscow, 2017 -

Jewish people partake in Hanukkah festivities in central Moscow in 2017.

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Jerusalem, 2019 -

In 2019, Orthodox Jewish men lit many outdoor menorahs during the third night of Hanukkah.

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Budapest, 2017 -

Jewish Hungarians came together in Budapest's Western Square to mark the start of Hanukkah, a festive occasion illuminated by the lighting of a large menorah. 

Sources: (History) (CNN)

See also: Winter holidays around the world other than Christmas

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