- In the second century BCE, a group of Jews rebelled against Greek ruler Antiochus' attempts to assimilate the Jewish people into Greek culture by outlawing key aspects of the Jewish faith. The band of rebels stormed the Greek-occupied temple in Jerusalem, ousted the occupying forces, and cleansed and rededicated the temple. In fact, the hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication." Tradition says that the Jews were only able to find one jar of holy oil with which to light the menorah, but miraculously, the oil in this one small jar kept the menorah burning until more oil could be brought to the temple.
- Customs observed during Hanukkah parties today include the lighting of the eight candles of the menorah. Jewish families light one candle during each night of Hanukkah to commemorate the length of time the small jar of temple oil lasted. Foods for Hanukkah parties, such as latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiot (traditional Isreali doughnuts), are also traditionally fried in oil to call to mind the miracle of the oil. Often children receive chocolate coins called "gelt" to reward and prepare them for study of the Torah, the Jewish scriptures. Children also spin the dreidel, a top inscribed with a letter on each side. These letters are the first in the Hebrew words that mean a miracle occurred in Israel when the Jews rededicated the temple.
- When you hold a Hanukkah party, it is important to make sure that the observances of the most Orthodox guests are respected. If relatives or friends are coming who observe kosher laws, you must make sure that all of your food and drink is certified kosher. Also make sure to specify in your invitation if gifts are to be exchanged, or if you'd like guests to bring a dish.
- Themes for Hanukkah parties vary widely. A gift exchange might be the central event at one party, while another celebration focuses on Hanukkah as the festival of lights. The host of such a party may ask each guest to bring a special menorah to light and enjoy. Other Hanukkah parties may be deeply religious gatherings, with the singing of traditional songs, readings from the Torah, and prayers.
- Hanukkah is not just the "Jewish Christmas," but a unique and deeply sacred holiday for the Jewish people. If you are hosting a Hanukkah party, take time to educate your non-Jewish guests about the meaning of Hanukkah and its customs. If you're attending a Hanukkah party as someone who is not Jewish, be respectful of traditions and practices that may be different from your own.
