While usually referred to as Jewish Christmas, Hanukkah is something completely different. Hanukkah is known as the Jewish Festival of lights as the essence of this festival is the lighting of 8 Chanukah candles over the 8 days of the festival. Although Hanukkah is not one of the truly sacred holy day celebrations in Jewish culture, it is still celebrated with certain foods and ceremonies.
Step
Step 1. Learn Hanukkah
Hanukkah is actually about God's protection of Israel, and the miracle that happened that day. This festival commemorates the victory of faith and courage over military might, when a group of Israelis fought for their right to be Jewish. They are prohibited from studying sacred texts or practicing God's word with the threat of death penalty if convicted of such activities. Their sacred temple had been desecrated, and they were ordered to worship other gods. However, a group of Israelites loyal to their faith, called the Maccabees, fought and defeated the intruders, took over the Temple, and rededicated the temple to God. The eternal flame that resides in the “Menorah” (a lamp stand) must be lit. But the holy olive oil needed to light the fire takes 8 days to press and purify. The Jews had only one day's supply of oil. They decided, in full faith, to explain the fire no matter what. And, a miracle happened. The oil jug filled itself daily with enough oil to illuminate the majestic temple lamp, and this continued for 7 days, which was the time it took to prepare new oil! It is a common misconception that the oil burns continuously for 8 days. This story was even told by Josephus, the first century of Jewish history. Since then, Hanukkah has been celebrated for 8 days to recall the miracle when the Menorah lamp burned for 8 days in the temple. The ultimate miracle of Hanukkah is the victory of the Maccabees against the strongest army in the world.
Step 2. Getting a “Hanukkiah”
The most basic things you need to celebrate Hanukkiah are a 9-pronged candle holder, referred to as a “Hanukkiah” (or often called a “Menorah”, although technically a “Menorah” is a 7-pronged candle holder), and candles. The eight prongs of the chandelier represent the 8 nights, while the last one (of different heights, usually higher than the others) is called a "shamash" or auxiliary candle, and is used to illuminate other candles. Hanukkiah is usually turned on at or right after sunrise..
- On the first night, the shamash is lit, a blessing is recited, and the first candle is lit. The first candle occupies the far right on Hanukkiah.
- Candles placed from right to left, but turned on from left to right. The candle you light first is always the last candle you place on Hanukkiah; on the other hand, the last candle you light is always the first candle you place on Hanukkiah.
- On the second night, the shamash and two candles are lit and will burn until the eighth night, when the 9 branches have lit candles.
- Traditionally, a lit Hanukkiah is placed near a window, so everyone who passes by will remember the magic of Hanukkah. Some families who put Hanukkiah by the window, arrange the candles from left to right, so that the candles will appear from right to left for passers-by.
Step 3. Read the blessing when you light the hanukkiah, or Menora
Blessing is a way to pay homage to God and to the Jewish ancestors.
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On the first day of Hanukkah, recite the following blessings:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are you, O Lord, our Lord, Lord of the universe, who sanctify us with Your commandments and lead us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, she'asah nisim l'avoteinu, b'yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
Blessed are you, O Lord, our Lord, Lord of the universe, who did miracles to our fathers on that day at this time.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, shehekheyanu, v'kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are you, O Lord, our Lord, Lord of the universe, who keeps us alive, prolongs our life and brings us to this time.
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On the following nights of Hanukkah, when you light the Hanukkiah, recite the following blessings:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are you, O Lord, our Lord, Lord of the universe, who sanctified us by your command and led us to light the light of Hanukkah.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, she'asah nisim l'avoteinu, b'yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
Blessed are you, O Lord, our Lord, Lord of the universe, who did miracles to our fathers on that day at this time.
Step 4. Playing dreidel
A four-sided object, called a dreidel or sivivon that is used to play a gambling game with small candies or nuts. Players get the same number of candies, and some are placed into the "vase" in the center. Players get a turn to spin the dreidle. Each side of the dreidel appears a letter saying whether the player wants to put in or take out candies. The game ends when someone has all the candy, or when all the candies have been eaten (which is usually the case at home with small children!)
Step 5. Give some coins to the children
“Small” gifts of small money (“gelt”) are given to children every Hanukkah night. Coin chocolates are also popular as treats and gifts during Hanukkah. Consider giving each child a 5 dollar check each night to let them give to charity of their choice.
- The gifts provided on Hanukkah can also be given to adults. Although Hanukkah is celebrated during the Christian festival holidays, it is not the “Christmas of the Jews” as it has always been thought.
- Amazing Hanukkah gifts for adults include beautiful Hanukkiah candles, quality cooking oil, or a Jewish cookbook.
Step 6. Eat food cooked in oil
Hanukkah wouldn't be the same without the traditional Latkes and applesauce. Latkes (a cake pan made of potato wedges, onions, matzoh meal and salt) are deep-fried in oil until a crisp golden brown, and then served with applesauce (and often with sour cream). The cooking oil is reminiscent of the celebration of the miracle of oil. Donuts topped with powdered sugar, called “Sufganiyot” are also a popular Hanukkah treat, especially in Israel. Fried and oil-rich foods are the theme!
In addition, milk is consumed by many people during Hanukkah, as a way to remember the events of Judith's story. Judith saves her village from the conquest of the Syrian general by toying with it with salty cheese and wine. When he fainted Judith took the general's sword and decapitated him, that's the story. Therefore, cheese latkes and cheese pancakes are in high demand during Hanukkah
Step 7. Practice “Tikun Olam”
Use the holidays as an opportunity to talk to your children about what they believe in and what it means to stand up for your beliefs. Find causes that support freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and help them spread the message that dates back centuries after the miracle of Hanukkah. After all, Hanukkah is the story of the Israelites fighting for religious freedom!
Tips
- Don't try to compare Hanukkah to Christmas. Even though they happened at roughly the same time, they were completely unrelated. Enjoy the holidays as they mean to our lives about faith, and fighting for one's beliefs even in the face of strong opposition.
- Don't forget that Hanukkah is a time for fun and enjoyment.
- Read How To Play Dreidel for more info on dreidel.
- Hanukkah can be called in several ways, including Chanukah, Chanukkah, Chanucah, Hannukah. Everything is true, because the words are translations from Hebrew.
Warning
- Do not blow out candles unless absolutely necessary. The object is to let the candle live until it runs out. Unless you're leaving the house and there's no one to look after the candle, let it live as long as possible. If you're worried about getting dirty, use a non-drip wax, or place a piece of foil under the Hanukkiah.
- When Hanukkah begins on Friday night, make sure that the candles are lit "before" Shabbat begins (the Jewish Sabbath), as it is forbidden to light a fire after sunset.
- Always pay attention to the living candle. Do not place Hannukiah on the edge, near an edge or surface, or near anything that might catch fire. Make sure that small children, long hair, and loose clothing are kept away from fire.
