What Is Hanukkah?

) is an eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean victory over the Seleucid Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. Known as the Festival of Lights, it is marked by the kindling of the hanukkiah (menorah) each night.

The Historical Background

In 167 BCE, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and desecrated the Temple. A priestly family—Mattathias and his sons, especially Judah Maccabee—led a revolt. Against overwhelming odds, they recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple in 164 BCE.

The Miracle of the Oil

The Talmud relates that upon recapturing the Temple, the Maccabees found only one small jar of pure olive oil with the High Priest's seal—enough for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared. This miracle is the reason for the eight-day celebration.

The Hanukkiah

Lighting the Candles

Each night, candles are added—one the first night, two the second, until eight on the final night. The shamash (helper candle) is used to light the others.

Blessings

Two blessings are recited nightly; a third (Shehecheyanu) is added the first night.

Placement

The hanukkiah is placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle.

הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ אָנוּ מַדְלִיקִין

Translation: We light these candles...

Customs

Foods Fried in Oil

Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are eaten, commemorating the miracle of oil.

Dreidel

Gelt

Gifts of money (or chocolate coins) to children.

Gifts

While not traditional, gift-giving has become common, especially in Western countries.

The Deeper Message

Hanukkah celebrates religious freedom, the triumph of the few over the many, light over darkness. The small flame pushing back the winter darkness symbolizes hope and the Jewish people's determination to maintain their identity against assimilation and persecution.