When December arrives, children become excited knowing that Christmas or Hanukkah are only weeks away. Even though the two holidays share the month of December, Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. What Hanukkah is and what and how we celebrate it may have a few similarities to Christmas, but religiously the two holy days are worlds apart.
According to the Jewish Outreach Institute, "Hanukkah is the most widely celebrated American Jewish holiday, possibly because it is a fun, child-centered occasion. It is celebrated with excellent food, an exchange of gifts, and the lighting of beautiful menorahs (special Hanukkah candelabras) filled with brightly colored candles. Unlike some Jewish holidays that require intense spiritual reflection or elaborate preparation, it is easy to celebrate."
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah means rededication. Its origins go back around 2,500 years when, in the Old Testament, Judah of Maccabee and his warriors, the Maccabees, won a war against the Syrians by defying overwhelming odds. After the Syrians were driven out of Judea, the Jews rededicated their ruined temple in Jerusalem.
A miracle occurred at the temple when burning the highly significant Menorah, referred to as the Jewish "Eternal Light." The Jews thought there was only enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, but instead, the oil burned for eight days allowing time for the arrival of a new supply.
The holiday of Hanukkah was born to commemorate the victory over the Syrians and to honor and remember the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated over eight days to memorialize the eight-day miracle of the burning oil for the temple's "Eternal Light."
How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Families begin celebrating Hanukkah in their homes on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. In countries where Christmas has been commercialized, celebrating Hanukkah in the Jewish community has gained importance.
Traditional Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil and always include potato pancakes or "latkes" as part of a traditional Jewish holiday menu. A modernization of the Menorah lighting ritual allows for the use of candles instead of oil. While singing traditional prayers, the first candle is lit on the first night, and each successive night the burning candles increase by one, as the ritual is repeated.
Gifts are exchanged on each night of Hanukkah. Unlike a typical Christmas morning where many gifts are exchanged at one time, eight small gifts are shared, one each day over the course of the eight days. These gifts are received and opened with the same joy and excitement experienced by Christians on Christmas Day.
As Christians sing Christmas carols, so is Hanukkah celebrated with songs and games. The focus is on family and friends, and remembering the importance of freedom.
Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas; but its celebration holds a sacred and joyful place in Jewish religion and culture. Whether Christian or Jew, all can be enriched by understanding and respecting the reasons why both holy days are celebrated each year.
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