In winters, you
really need more light than whole year! Don’t worry, as Jewish festival of
lights is here for 8 days. Impress your Jewish friends by updating your
knowledge about Hanukkah festival. And where will you get it? Of course here!!
– Brought to you by PartsAvatar Car Parts.
Light is not
only part of Diwali rituals and celebrations but it also plays significant role
in Hanukkah- the festival of lights. So, if you happen to know Jewish people
around you, don’t forget to wish them. Read about this amazing festival ahead.
An eight day
celebration, Hanukkah day is observed by Jewish people by lighting one candle
on a nine branched menorah each day. Hanukkah marks a remarkable event that took
place long ago. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish people’s successful rebellion
against the Syrians in Maccabean War in 162 BCE.
The word
Hanukkah in Hebrew means “rededication”. The Jewish rebel army rose against the
Greek Syrian dictators in this war. The Jewish rebellion was led by Judah
Maccabee. During the time of revolt, practising Judaism was a sin in Jerusalem
and pigs were slaughtered in the name of sacrifice.
A ritual cleansing
and rededication of temple occurred after their victory over oppressors. Only
pure olive oil with the seal of high priest could be used for the Hanukkah i.e.
rededication.
It is said that
there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day but
the small bottle miraculously lasted for eight days. This event came to be
known as “the miracle of the oil” and is now its rituals are associated with
this festival.
Hanukkah is
celebrated for eight continuous days between 25th of the month of
Kislev to the second day of Tevet according to Hebrew calendar. Candles are lit
for eight nights and families eat food cooked with oil and exchange gifts. The
menorah was an oil lamp with seven branches and was used in old temples.
Nowadays Hanukkiah is used which has nine spots to hold the candles. Many
people still address the candlestick holder as Menorah. People recite a
blessing when lighting the candles followed by singing of Hanukkah songs.
You have saved
enough history in your grey matter. Now it is time for some fun stuff. There
are various activities and fun facts about this day that you may or may not
know. Take a look!
Dairy Products are popular during Hanukkah!!
It is said that
during the Babylon captivity of Jews, the town of bethulia was under siege and
were ready to surrender due to lack of water. A young woman called Judith
requested a meeting with top general Assyrian holofernes.
She entered holofernes camp and fed him salty cheese so that he would become thirsty and will fall asleep after drinking wine.
She then took
chance and killed him. The Syrians fled from Israel because there leader was
killed. Judith decided to remain unmarried and Jews in honour of her purity and
bravery eat dairy products during Hanukkah.
Celebrating with the driedel game!
The driedel is a
four sided top with a letter from Hebrew alphabet on each side. This game is
often played during Hanukkah and everyone is given gelt, which can be a real
coin or gold wrapped chocolate coins. Win or lose is decided depending on what
side the dreidel lands.
Driedel has its
roots from Greek Syrian rule over holy land. Learning Torah and practising Judaism
was a crime punishable by death. So Jewish children were forced to study in
secret.
Eating Latkes- the traditional Jew meal!
It’s time to
eat. Many traditional dishes are served using lots of oil. Latke or potato
pancakes are popular in Jewish household during Hanukkah days. Latkes are fried
and served with apple sauce or sour cream. In terms of desserts, don’t forget
jelly doughnut or sufganiot.
In North
America, where olive oil was scarce, goose or chicken fat was often used for
frying so latkes, apple fritters and non dairy food became the norm.
Adam Sandler dedicated a song to Hanukkah!
In 1994, famous Jewish
comedian Adam Sandler performed “The Chanukah song” a novelty ditty which deals
with the issues of Jewish children feeling alienated during Christmas. It’s a
Must watch because he lists Jewish celebs as a way of sympathizing with kid’s
situation.
There are
certain things you should refrain from saying it to the Jewish people during
Chanukah.
Things not to say to a Jewish person around
Christmas!
“Why isn’t
Chanukah on same day each year?” Chanukah follows the Jewish calendar which is
13 months long and starts on Jewish New Year also called Rosh Hashanah.
“I don’t know
how to greet people during Hanukkah”. Well if you want to greet someone you can
say “Happy Chanukah/Hanukkah”.
“I know someone
else who celebrates Hanukkah. Do you know Rob?” Jew population may be scarce in
some areas but they don’t belong to same tribe always. So, they don’t care to
know each other often.
“Is Hanukkah,
Jewish Christmas?” Now this is truly offensive question. Well, as you know
Hanukkah’s history so it has nothing to do with Christmas.
Taking your
leave with the phrase” Merry Christmas”. Well, it often create religious
controversies and is another indicator that majority is of Christians though many
other communities now add to North American population.
“Don’t you want
to celebrate Christmas?” Christmas and Hanukkah come in the same time so it
might be difficult for Jewish people to navigate. So you can politely ask what
traditions are upheld and leave it at that.
“Don’t you believe
in Santa Claus?” No, they don’t need to, do they?
Even if you dint
grow up in a typical Jewish household, these facts are enough for you to
impress your friend and his/her Jewish family. Happy Hanukkah day from
PartsAvatar Canada and enjoy the festival of lights with zeal.
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