The History of Chanukah

Chanukah is the "Festival of Lights."

Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. Chanukah is celebrated for eight days and nights. The celebrations often consist of games, gifts, the eating of traditional foods and rituals including the daily lighting of a series of lights. This is why the holiday is known as the "Festival of Lights."

Origin

The word Chanukah stems from the Hebrew word for re-dedication. After retaking the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following two years of Syrian rule, the Jewish people cleaned and repaired the Temple. They wanted to celebrate by lighting the menorah (a candelabrum), but there was only enough oil to light the lamp for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This gave them enough time to obtain new oil to keep the menorah lit.

The Holy Temple

The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was looted and damaged after the invasion of the Syrians by King Antiochus. Judaism was subsequently outlawed in Jerusalem, driving the Jewish people underground. Though their religious practices were illegal, many of the Jews began to revolt by disobeying numerous laws and actively defying several of Antiochus' decrees. Within two years of the Syrian takeover, the Jewish people, led by Judah Maccabee had taken the temple back and driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem. Maccabee began the tradition of Chanukah.

The Talmud

The Talmud, one of the religious books of the Jewish faith, describes the events of Chanukah and the Maccabee revolution in great detail. It also tells how to perform the lighting of the menorah during the Chanukah celebration. It states that one light should be lit for every night of the celebration. The menorah is to be placed at a window to honor the celebration, except in times of danger or strife.

Rituals

Chanukah is looked upon as part of the holiday season that includes Christmas, allowing for families to get together and exchange gifts. A popular holiday game involves spinning the dreidel, a four-sided top.

The Menorah

The menorah is lit at nightfall every day of the Chanukah celebration. There are nine candles on the menorah with the Shamash (the candle that kindles the other lights) used nightly. A candle is lit for every day of the holiday so one candle is lit on the first day, two on the second. A prayer is said before the candles are lit.

References

• Your Chanukah Guide
• The History of Chanukah