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What Is The Name Of The Jewish Festival Of Lights?
The Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah, is a joyous holiday celebrated around the world. Hanukkah commemorates the successful revolt of Judah Maccabee and his brothers against the armies of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had tried to impose his Greek culture on the Jews. It is celebrated for 8 nights, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls between the end of November and the end of December.
The word Hanukkah is derived from the Hebrew word for “dedication”, and refers to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been defiled by the Greeks. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, which refers to the miracle of the oil lasting eight days when the temple was rededicated.
A popular tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of a special candle holder called a menorah. It has nine branches, with one candle in the middle called the shamash (servant) and eight candles around it representing the eight days of Hanukkah. On the first night, one candle is lit, and each night for the next seven nights, another candle is added until all eight candles are lit. The menorah is placed in a window so its light can be seen from the outside to remind the world of the miracle of Hanukkah.
Another tradition is the exchange of gifts. Exchange of gifts is not a religious commandment, but is an enjoyable custom just like gift giving at Christmas. It is common to give money, called “Hanukkah gelt”, as well as toys and other presents.
The traditional foods of Hanukkah are items fried in oil, to remind us of the miracle of the oil. The most popular food is potato latkes (lights), which are potato pancakes, fried in oil. Many also enjoy eating sufganiyot, which are fried jelly doughnuts.
Hanukkah is a joyous festival, where Jews everywhere come together to celebrate the miracle and re-dedication of the Jewish Temple and its altar of devotion. Through ceremonial prayers, the lighting of the menorah, the giving of gifts, and the traditional foods, Jews everywhere are reminded of the miracle that occurred so long ago and celebrate this special holiday of lights.
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