A Guide to Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights | Marky's (2024)

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A Guide to Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights | Marky's? ›

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of a small group of Jews over the larger Syrian-Greek army in 165 B.C.E. The victory allowed the Jews to rededicate and purify their holy temple in Jerusalem, which had been defiled by the Syrian Greeks.

Lasting eight days, Hanukkah usually occurs during December, but sometimes begins in November. This Jewish holiday is known as the Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C. after three years of war.

First and foremost, it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a successful revolt of the Jewish people led by Judah Maccabee against their Syrian-Greek oppressors, who had tried to assimilate the Jewish people and, in so doing, had desecrated the Temple.

For many English speakers, the festival is also known for confusion over the spelling of its name: Is it Hanukkah or Chanukah? The answer is that both are considered correct, though Hanukkah is the most widely used spelling, while Chanukah is more traditional. In addition, more than 20 other variations are recorded.

Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean (Hasmonean) victories over the forces of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175–164 bce) and the rededication of the Temple on Kislev 25, 164 bce. Led by Mattathias and his son Judas Maccabeus (died c.

It is customary for women not to work for at least the first half-hour of the candles' burning, and some have the custom not to work for the entire time of burning. It is also forbidden to fast or to eulogize during Hanukkah.

As families gather to light the menorah, savor delicious foods, exchange gifts, and play dreidel games, the Festival of Lights becomes a time to reflect on the triumph of light over darkness, miracles over challenges, and the importance of unity and faith.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live. But there's one common theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.

Hanukkah is known as the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) or the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah isn't mentioned in the Old Testament. Its origin is in the intertestamental period, during one of the most courageous episodes in Israel's history (167–164 BC; see 1 Macc. 3–4; 2 Macc.

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Did Jesus celebrate Hanukkah? ›

Hanukkah is an ancient Jewish festival of dedication and miracles. Jesus himself celebrated this sacred occasion during his time on earth. Today, some Christians honor the miraculous rededication of the temple by observing Hanukkah. Christians who appreciate the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith celebrate Hanukkah.

To greet your Jewish loved ones during these eight days, you can simply say “Happy Hanukkah” or use one of these options in Hebrew. Hanukkah — or Chanukah, both are common spellings — is taking place between Dec. 7 and Dec. 15.

Throughout the festival, Jewish people often greet each other in Hebrew and say, "chag sameach" to each other which translates, approximately, to "happy holidays" in English. The festival and festivities is most similar to how Christians, or more so westerners, observe and celebrate Christmas.

Hanukkah in the Bible

John 10:22 says, “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.” Jesus came to Jerusalem for the observance of Hanukkah, celebrating the festival in the same temple that was cleansed by the Maccabees in the second century B.C.

The dreidel game is one of the most famous Hanukkah traditions. It was created as a way for Jews to study the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Christians call these the Old Testament. It was also a way to learn Hebrew, the language of the Jewish people.

As the days grow shorter and the air chills, the celebration of Hanukkah shines light into the darkness and teaches us to rededicate ourselves to kindling the flame of hope. The Festival of Lights is also a story about seeking freedom in times of tyranny.

Though, miraculously, the menorah remained lit for eight nights. The lighting of the menorah commerates this miracle and represents the idea that light will always defeat darkness. The latter is why Hanukkah is also often referred to as “The Festival of Lights,” according to My Jewish Learning's website.

In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication,” and the holiday marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces.

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

The Hanukkah story is not recorded in the canon of Scripture (what we call the Bible). At its core, it is a celebration of casting Greek influences out of Jewish life and returning to God's instructions for life and worship. In a word, it is re-dedication.