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Hanukkah History and Facts
Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday and is being celebrated for eight days. This event is celebrated on the 25th day of Kislev in late November or through the month of December. If this event is celebrated at the end of December, then this event enters into the month of January. During these holidays, the Jews celebrate it by kindling the lights throughout the nights of the festival. The lights are kindled according to the number of the day, such as one light the first day, two lights on the next and so on.
The traditional story behind Hanukkah is that when Maccabees stood victorious over the Seleucid Empire, there was olive oil for only one day to light the eternal flame in the Temple but amazingly the fire burned for consecutive eight days during which time new oil was prepared. Another understanding of the Hanukkah holidays is related to the story of Hannah and her seven sons. The story as told in Talmud says that Hannah’s seven sons were tortured and slained when they refused to bow to a statue and eat pork as per Antiochus’ policy and then Hannah committed suicide when she heard that her sons are killed.
In Hanukkah, the lights are lit about half an hour after dark. The lights that are used can be candles or oil lamps, but there are places where electric lights can be used such as hospitals where an open flame is not allowed. The Jewish homes have a candelabrum in which one can place eight candles, as well as the shamash light. The blessings are then recited every night for eight days over the candles. The foods of choice to celebrate Hanukkah include potato pancakes, and it is also preferred to eat fried foods, which are fried especially in olive oil. Hanukkah festival is an event that teaches us to rededicate to our goals in life and thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
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