5 Facts About Hanukkah You Didn’t Know
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days. It usually falls between late November and late December, depending on the Hebrew calendar. While many people are familiar with some of the traditions associated with the holiday, there are some interesting facts that you may not know about Hanukkah.
1. Hanukkah is Not the Jewish Version of Christmas
Despite popular belief, Hanukkah is not a major Jewish holiday. It is actually a relatively minor holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Syrian-Greek army. The story of the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of oil that was only supposed to last one day lasted for eight days, is what inspired the tradition of lighting the menorah.
2. The First Hanukkah Was Celebrated More Than 2,000 Years Ago
The first Hanukkah was celebrated in 165 BCE, after the Maccabees defeated the Syrian-Greek army and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Talmud, the Maccabees found only one jug of oil that was still sealed with the high priest’s seal. They used this oil to light the menorah, and it miraculously lasted for eight days.
3. The Number Eight is Symbolic
The number eight is significant in Hanukkah because the holiday lasts for eight days, and the miracle of the oil lasted for eight days as well. This number is also symbolic of renewal and rebirth.
4. Hanukkah Traditions Vary Around the World
While the lighting of the menorah is a central Hanukkah tradition, other customs vary depending on where you are in the world. In Israel, for example, it is traditional to eat foods that are fried in oil, such as sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes). In North America, it is common to exchange gifts, while in other parts of the world, Hanukkah is celebrated with music and dancing.
5. There is a Hanukkah Song That Has Become a Modern Classic
In 1994, Adam Sandler debuted his now-famous “Hanukkah Song” on Saturday Night Live. The song lists famous Jewish people who are often overlooked during Christmas time, such as David Lee Roth and Paul Newman. The song has since become a modern Hanukkah classic and is often played during the holiday season.
In conclusion, Hanukkah may be a minor Jewish holiday, but it is steeped in tradition and symbolism. From the miracle of the oil to the number eight and the varied customs around the world, there is a lot to learn and appreciate about this Festival of Lights. Whether you celebrate with sufganiyot, latkes, or just lighting the menorah, the beauty of Hanukkah lies in the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
