Hanukkah, the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem

This holiday issue could not be complete without the mention of a beautiful event, celebrated by a variety of members of our EABH community: Hanukkah. 

The word Hanukkah - sometimes spelled Chanukah - means “dedication” in Hebrew. According to the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah is an eight-day festival celebrated by the Jewish community around November or December. 

This holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. During the second century BCE,  the Seleucid Greek Empire ruled over the region of Judea and, under the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Temple in Jerusalem was desecrated (they built an altar for Zeus and made sacrifices in the name of Greek Gods). The Maccabees - a group of Jewish people - rebelled against Antiochus’ acts and, after years of confrontation, reconquered their Temple.  

In the years of battle, a jewish holiday called Sukkot passed by unnoticed. So, after reclaiming the Temple, the Jews decided to purify the city and celebrate. This festival should last eight  days, with a menorah (seven-branched candelabrum) lit throughout the celebration. The tradition was to light the candles with pure oil, but only one bottle was found; the miracle of this one-day bottle lasting for 8 days was seen as a sign of the re-blessing of the Temple. 

But how do people celebrate Hanukkah nowadays? A hanukkiah (nine-branched candelabrum) is lit, one candle by day, while blessings are recited. Eight of the nine candles symbolize the days in which the miracle oil burned, and the ninth candle,named shamash,is used to light the other eight. Traditional foods commonly served during the festival are Latkes, fried potato pancakes, and Sufganyot, which are jelly-filled doughnuts; always in remembrance of the miraculous oil. Kids play dreidel - a traditional game in which  they win or give coins, chocolate, or other small goods. And, with the influence of Christmas, some Jewish families exchange gifts every night. 

It is important to note that Hanukkah is only one of many Hebrew Holidays! Even if well known, probably because of its proximity to Christmas, Hanukkah is not the most important celebration to the Jewish community. The daily celebration takes only around 20 minutes, while other more significant holidays, such as the Yom Kippur, hold deeper religious meaning and are less recognized by other cultures.  

We hope this meaningful time of the year is filled with celebrations of your culture's holidays - and opportunities to learn more about others too! The Daily Hawk wishes all of the EABH community great joy and happiness during this time of the year.