In different places in the world, specific cultural flavor has been added to Chanukah traditions. Chanukah is celebrated by Jewish people around the world. The holiday marks both an historical event and a miraculous story originating in the Talmud, a set of commentary written by rabbinic sages. Chanukah's theme celebrates Jewish survival against great odds. Chanukah is eight days long and is mostly celebrated in the home, with candle lighting, special holiday foods, songs and playing dreidel.
Chanukah Story Primer
In 165 B.C.E., a small group of Jews successfully rebelled against the Seleucid King Antiochus. Antiochus had forbade many standard practices of Judaism, and placed Greek statues and introduced foreign worship practices in the Temple, profaning it. A tribe of rebels, led by a man named Mattathias and his sons, defeated Antiochus and his powerful army, cleaned the desecrated Temple, and rededicated it to Judaism. They celebrated their victory by observing an eight-day festival which had been missed during the fighting, Sukkot.
The Talmud adds a story of one small vial of purified oil, the only one found during the Temple cleanup. The oil was not considered sufficient to last more than one day, yet it would be eight days until more could be obtained. In a demonstration of faith, they lit the Menorah with the oil anyway, and the oil miraculously burned for the necessary eight days, a miracle.
Around the World
In different areas, cultural traditions were added to Chanukah celebration by Jews living there. Here are a few examples of global additions to Chanukah:
Tunis, Tunisia: Families attend Synagogue on the seventh day of Chanukah, commemorating Biblical heroine Judith's brave acts during the period of Syrian-Greek rule. Women file past and kiss the Torah, while men study the Talmudic tractate containing the Chanukah story.
Avignon, France: Following the Shabbat during Chanukah, Jews in this Southern France town would go from house to house, opening and tasting new flasks of wine.
Yemen: Children went from house to house collecting wicks for the Chanukah Menorah. They would sing (in Yemenite): "O father Salim, give us a present." If they received wick-ends with with fruits, candies and coins, they would respond in Hebrew, "Sleep well." But if they didn't get anything, they would respond in Yemenite, "You miser, may your wicks be as dry as your bones!"
Germany: German Jews used to have great bonfires after Chanukah with the leftover wicks and oil.
Israel: The 5th night of Chanukah is solemn in remembrance of the expelling of the Jews from Tel Aviv and Jaffa by the Turks in World War I. Chanukah presents are de-emphasized in Israeli Chanukah observance.
 | Learn about the rich and meaningful history of Chanukah, which celebrates both an historical event and a miraculous story found in the Talmud, a set of commentary written by rabbinic sages. |
 | This year, Invite friends and relatives over to celebrate a happy Chanukah. Many Chanukah traditions can be expanded to include a whole crowd of partygoers, and they are easy to set up. |
 | Here are some ideas for homemade gifts for Chanukah, whether you're working with a kid or working alone. |
Along with the most commonly celebrated holidays of Christmas and Chanukah, parents and older family members might find themselves besieged with questions from kids about the story of Chanukah and Christmas. Here's a quick guide to fielding those questions. |
After several years working with international students and living in a city that has such a wealthy of diversity, not only do I get to participate in all the exciting events and opportunities for Christmas but I also get to witness first hand some other holidays as well as how other cultures may celebrate Christmas. |
