Also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight day celebration for those of the Jewish faith. This year it will start on the eve of November 27th. So what is Chanukah and how did it all begin? A brief look back in history tells us of Antiochus IV, who was a successor of Alexander the Great, (about a hundred years after his reign). Now while Alexander ruled, he allowed the people of the lands he conqured to continue observing their own religious beliefs. This all changed when Antiochus came into power. He oppressed the Jews, and would not let them practice their religion. Taking over their temples and desecrating them. After a time, forces were joined and the temples were rededicated. However, the Greeks had defiled the temples and almost all the oil which was used to light the Manorah at the temple was completely depleted. The Manorah, a candleabrum, was lit every night and was to burn throughout the night, but there was only enough oil for 1 night. Yet miraculously, it somehow burned for 8 nights, which was the time needed to make a fresh supply of oil. That is how Chanukah came to be, it is a celebration of the miracle that happened so long ago. It is also why it is known as the Festival of Lights and why it lasts for 8 days. It is no wonder that this holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah. As mentioned above, this is a candelabrum, which consists of 9 candles. The center candle, known as the Shammus candle, is normally taller than the other eight. The reason for this is because (in older times), if you needed light, you were allowed to light this candle at any time. So to make it easier to not mistake it for the other ones, it was made slightly taller. As always, there is an order to all things, the shammus candle (the one in the center) is always lit first and used to light the other candles. On the first night the candle on the far right of the Menorah is then lit, this is done while reciting a prayer. Every night that follows the shammus candle is lit first, a prayer is said, and then candles are lit from right to left in order. So on the second night the far most right candle is lit, followed by the one to the left of it, and so on till all eight candles are lit on the last day.
This holiday does not have many other specific rituals of sorts, but as it is celebration and a time to be with family there have evolved some family traditions. Some give small gifts to their families on each night the menorah is lit. Many like to sing after the lighting of the menorah is done. There are songs of Chanukah most upbeat and happy; here is one if you care to listen; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLqG3BqMC8E
You can also play with the Chunukah dreidel. (as see above) In this game, children of all ages spin the dreidel and bet on what letter will show facing up. The dreidel has 4 Hebrew letters on it, and when put together stand for the phrase “A great miracle happened here”. The game is usually played for gelt, which is a chocolate, covered in gold foil and made to look like gold coins. There are rules, and each letter has a different effect. So something happens each time the dreidel is played. For example, one letter means you get nothing of the pot, one means you get half, another (the lucky one) means you win everything in the pot, and of course one makes you pay. There is also a traditional song of the dreidel, if you like to listen go to this link
Chanukah, a celebration of lights, the celebration of a miracle. Just as in all holidays, we celebrate with the ones we love, we sing, we play, and enjoy all the warmth that comes with it.
Happy Chanukah to all!
