What Is the Meaning of the Word Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights.

The word "Hanukkah," also spelled "Chanukah," is Hebrew for dedication or induction. Broken down, the syllable "chanu" means "they rested" and the syllable "kah" has the numerical value "25," according to the Chabad.org website. As a proper noun, Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights celebrated all over the world.

History

The Festival of Lights celebrates two miracles. The first is the Jewish victory over the occupying Syrians by the Maccabees in 165 B.C. and the re-dedication of the temple. The second is the miracle of the lights.

Traditon

Tradition has it that when the temple was rededicated the priests found only one jar of undefiled olive oil with which to fuel the temple's candelabra, called a "menorah." Kindling the lights of the menorah anyway, they burned miraculously for a week.

Modern Celebrations

Based on the Jewish lunar calendar, the first day of Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev. Due to lunar fluctuations, this date falls anywhere between Nov. 28 and Dec. 26 on the civil calendar. Each night observers gather just before sunset to pray and light one candle of a 9-branched menorah until all are lit. Celebrations include dairy and fried foods, giving gifts, playing dreidel games and being charitable.

References

• Dictionary.com: Hanukkah
• Chabad.org: Chanukah in a Nutshell
• Chabad.org: What Does the Word Chanukah Mean?
• Chabad.org: Chanukah FAQs

Resources

• History.com: Hanukkah