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What is Hanukkah and why is it celebrated?
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.
What do you say to someone during Hanukkah?
To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday). Or if you want to show off your Hebrew skills, say “Chag Urim Sameach!” (urim means “lights”).
What gifts do you give for Hanukkah?
Ideas include gold gelt coins (traditional chocolate coins in gold foil), a dreidel and handwritten blessings to say as the Hanukkah candles are lit. Top your gift jar with festive blue and silver ribbon.
When is Hanukkah and how is it celebrated?
Celebrate Hanukkah. Jewish communities in the United States celebrate the first day of Hanukkah on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. The Hanukkah period lasts for eight days and is celebrated from the 25th day of Kislev to the second day of Tevet .
When did Hanukkah get started and by whom?
According to I Maccabees, the celebration of Hanukkah was instituted by Judas Maccabeus in 165 bce to celebrate his victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king who had invaded Judaea, tried to Hellenize the Jews, and desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Why is Hanukkah on a different date every year?
Another reason why Hanukkah seems to be on a different day every year is that it is not a one day holiday. It actually lasts slightly more than a week. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday. The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar which means it is based on the moon’s rotation around the earth.
Why is Hanukkah celebrated for 8 days?
So today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah to remember their defeat over Antiochus , the restoration of the Temple of Jerusalem , and the miracle of the oil. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days to signify the eight days the oil burned.