Dates of Hanukkah - The Simple Facts
Dates of Hanukkah - Introduction
Hanukkah which is also known as the Festival of Lights is a Jewish holiday celebrated in December for eight days. This year, the holiday starts on December 20 and is celebrated until the 28th. The word Hanukkah translated to Hebrew means dedication. The holiday is a re-dedications of the holy Temple in Jerusalem commemorating the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE.
In a country called Judea over 2300 years ago, there were many Hebrew people. Amongst them lived an awful King name Antiochus. The King ordered all the Hebrew people to give up their religions and their gods. King Antiochus ordered all Jewish temples to be demolished. Most obeyed the King, but one who disobeyed was Judah Maccabee. Maccabee started an army in which his goal was to defeat the Syrians so the Jewish people would be free to worship in what they believed in. The battle when on for three years until the Maccabee’s defeated the Syrians and reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem. While cleaning up the temples one of the heroes was looking for blessed oil to lit the lamps, when they found a small bit of it. They were hoping there would be enough oil for one night. It is said to be a miracle because that little but of oil lasted eight nights. Hanukkah starts on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev the Jewish month. The way the Jewish calendar is based the dates seem to change from year to year based on the lunar cycle. In years past Hanukkah can fall anywhere from November 28 to December 26th.
Chanukah or Hanukkah? There are two English spellings, but both are wrong. Hanukkah/Chanukah consists of five character starting with het (chet). The letters do not translate the same as the English letter "H" and also incorrect for "CH" therefore there is no correct way to translate it into English.
One of the most recognized traditions of Hanukkah is symbolized by lighting a Hanukiyah or as most know it to be the Menorah. The Menorah holds nine candles, with eight of them representing one day of the eight day holiday. The Shamash is the ninth candle used to light each candle every night. The first candle is lit the eve of Hanukkah. The candles are then lit left to right. It is said that the left candle symbolizes the recent day of the miracle.
The Dreidel is another very well known Hanukkah symbols. Dreidel is Yiddish for spinning top and consists of four sides used for spinning on its pointed base. Dreidels are usually made from wood and or plastic but have been made out of glass but for display purposes. On each side a letter from the Hebrew alphabet is embossed or printed. The letters form the acronym Nes gadol hayah sham which translated mean "A great miracle happened there". Children play with the Dreidel during Hanukkah to remember the courage of the brave children.
Dates of Hanukkah - More details
A few other Hanukkah traditions include eating foods fried in oil on the holiday to celebrate the miracle which occurred with oil. The various foods differ from country of origin. In Eastern Europe they eat latkes, which are fried potato pancakes. The Sephardic Jewish people eat different variations of deep-fried doughnuts called loukomades. During this time it is also customary to eat diary foods to remember the bravery of Yehudit, who used diary products to defeat the Greek General Holofernes. One of the more modern traditions is to celebrate with feasts with family and friends.
It is customary to give money to children and give increased amount s to charity each day during the holiday. The reasons come from the Code of Jewish Law which notates giving money is an example of the lights on the Menorah cant not represent. By giving out Hanukkah money this rule is still remembered. Even thought there is no set date or amount on how much to give, it all depends on the individual. Must do gift Hanukkah money on the fourth or fifth day as a half way gesture.
Dates of Hanukkah - Final words
According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is considered to be a minor holiday. However, due to the celebration of other holidays around the same time, Hanukkah is now more celebrated more than ever!