Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The festival lasts for eight nights, symbolizing the miraculous duration of the oil used in the Temple menorah.
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The central ritual of Hanukkah is the nightly lighting of the menorah, a special candelabrum with nine branches. Eight candles represent the eight nights of Hanukkah, and the ninth, called the "shamash," is used to light the others.
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A popular Hanukkah game involves spinning a four-sided top called a dreidel. The Hebrew letters on each side - Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin - stand for "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham," which means "a great miracle happened there."
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Foods fried in oil are a significant part of Hanukkah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil. Potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are commonly enjoyed during the festival.
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While not traditionally a gift-giving holiday like Christmas, the custom of giving and receiving gifts has become more common in modern times, especially in Western countries.
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Gelt refers to chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil. In the past, real coins were given as a traditional Hanukkah gift. Today, gelt is often used in the game of dreidel.
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During Hanukkah, specific prayers and blessings are recited, emphasizing the themes of gratitude, freedom, and the miraculous events surrounding the festival.
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In many communities, public menorah lightings take place, often organized by local synagogues or Jewish community centers. These events can include festivities, music, and communal celebrations.
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Hanukkah provides an opportunity for Jewish families to teach their children about their heritage, emphasizing themes of religious freedom, resilience, and the importance of preserving cultural identity.
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The term "Hanukkah" has various spellings, including Chanukah. This diversity is due to the transliteration of the Hebrew word into English. Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation remains relatively consistent.
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