Even if you’re not Jewish you probably know a little bit about Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. It’s a holiday with very interesting history and customs like lighting the menorah (מנורה), eating sufganiot (סופגנייה), and remembering the miracles of the past. Whether you’re new to Hanukkah or looking to know more, we got you covered in this post!
What is Hanukkah? The Meaning and Significance of the Festival of Lights
Hanukkah (חנוכה), has a few different meaning , primarily its referred to as inauguration in Hebrew, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was liberated by the Maccabim. Another meaning talks about the first three Hebrew letters of Hanukkah spelled “chanu,” meaning rested or stopped to rest, possibly referring to the Maccabees resting after their fight on the 25th of Kislev.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and faith over oppression. At its heart lies the miracle of the menorah, whose oil, meant to last only one day, burned brightly for eight.
A Brief History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah dates back over 2,000 years to the time of the Maccabean Revolt. The Seleucid Empire had imposed harsh restrictions on Jewish religious practices. Led by Judah Maccabee (יהודה המכבי), a small group of Jewish rebels successfully reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem. During the rededication, they found a small flask of oil (שמן) to light the menorah, but it miraculously lasted eight days—hence the duration of Hanukkah.
The Hanukkah Menorah: Lighting the Way
The menorah (מנורה) is a nine-branched candelabra central to Hanukkah celebrations. Eight candles represent the days of the miracle, while the ninth candle, the shamash (שמש, “helper”), is used to light the others.
During the holiday we place the menorah in a visible location, often by a window. Add candles from right to left but light them from left to right and recite the blessings (ברכות) before lighting. The menorah serves as a reminder of perseverance and god’s miracles.
Traditional Hanukkah Blessings
During Hanukkah, three blessings are recited when lighting the menorah.
First Blessing: The Commandment to Light the Candles
- Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חֲנֻכָּה
- Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
- Translation: Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who made us holy through Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
This blessing is recited on all eight nights of Hanukkah.
Second Blessing: The Miracle of Hanukkah
- Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
- Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
- Translation: Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
This blessing is also recited on all eight nights.
Third Blessing: Shehecheyanu (First Night Only)
- Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ, וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיָּענוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
- Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu la’zman hazeh.
- Translation: Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
The Shehecheyanu blessing is recited only on the first night of Hanukkah to mark the beginning of the festival and to celebrate reaching this special occasion.
Delicious Hanukkah Foods You Have to Try
Food is a major part of Hanukkah, some may say that too much oil is involved but it’s only symbolic right?
Latkes (לביבות): Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream.
Sufganiyot (סופגניות): Jelly-filled doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar. In recent years a fancier versions of these doughnuts were introduced.
Hanukkah Traditions and Fun Activities
Playing Dreidel (סביבון): The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, features Hebrew letters: Nun (נ), Gimel (ג), Hei (ה), and Pe (פ). These letters form an acronym for Nes Gadol Haya Po (נס גדול היה פה), meaning “A great miracle happened here.”
In the diaspora (outside of Israel the dreidel, has a Shin (ש) instead of the Pe. meaning “A great miracle happened there.”
Demi Hanukkah(דמי חנוכה): While not traditionally a part of Hanukkah, the custom of giving gifts (מתנות) has become popular, especially for children. Hanukkah gelt, refers to money given as gifts during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Ready to Celebrate? Hanukkah Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is celebrated starting on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar . The dates vary each year on the Gregorian calendar, typically falling between late November and late. in 2024 Hanukkah starts December 25, 2024 and ends at sunset of January 2, 2025. The traditions of Hanukkah are as meaningful as they are joyful. May your Festival of Lights shine brightly and fill your heart with warmth. Chag Sameach (חג שמח)!