Also known as the Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 2nd century BCE. According to the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev - which may occur at any time from late November, to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Jewish Year 5774: Sunset November 27, 2013 â€" Nightfall December 5, 2013
Although Hanukkah has become especially popular because it falls close to Christmas every year, it is actually considered to be a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah 2013 is a pretty special year though, as the first full day of Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving, somethint that won’t happen again for almost 80,000 years!
What kinds of foods are eaten on Hanukkah?
On Hanukkah, a classic Hanukkah dish is crispy potato pancakes called latkes in Yiddish and levivot in Hebrew, often served with applesauce and sour cream. Another delicious Hanukkah treat is sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), usually topped with powdered sugar. Sephardic Hanukkah donuts are called bunuelos (or bimuelos) and are traditionally dipped in honey.
What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah?
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!†(Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!†(Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!†(urim means “lightsâ€).
The Menorah
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch.
Spinning Tops
It’s customary to play with dreidels (spinning tops) during the holiday, even wage gambling games in which players guess which side of the top will fall face up.
Gold Coins
The tradition of handing out gelt (the Yiddish word for “moneyâ€) during Hanukkah probably dates back to 17th-century Poland. The coins distributed during Hanukkah â€" either real currency or chocolate-covered coins â€" are a symbol of Jewish independence, as well as a way to spread good cheer with things people can always use more of: cash and chocolate.
Happy Hanukkah: Next Time Jewish Holiday Falls On Thanksgiving Will Be 80,000 Years From Now
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