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Celebrate Hanukkah

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Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated throughout the world for 8 days and 8 nights observing the miracle of long-lasting oil. There are many Hanukkah customs observed during this time including the lighting of the Menorah, a multiple branch candelabra. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting each branch daily in observance of this holiday.

The holiday commemorates how a group of people called the Maccabees were victorious over the Greek king Antiochus and liberated the Jewish people in Israel from his cruel practices.

When the Maccabee's set out to restore the main temple in Jerusalem, only one day's worth of consecrated oil was found to fuel the temple's eternal light. Miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 days as the Maccabees worked to rededicate the temple to the Jewish religion.

Many traditions are followed in celebrating Hanukkah including practicing Hanukkah activities. The Hanukkah driedel is a spinning top game that children play after lightening the menorah. Children are awarded Hanukkah gelt, which are golden chocolate coins. Food plays a big role in the observance of Hanukkah. Foods fried in olive oil and typically served the most as well as foods with cheese in them. Families gather to celebrate Hanukkah with traditional spreads of food and remembering the traditions and customs of Hanukkah.

Tradition

Hanukkah Traditions: Menorah

Hanukkah is marked through the daily lighting of a nine branch candelabra called the Menorah. This tradition marks the re dedication of the Temple and how lighting the temple lasted eight days. Each evening during Hanukkah, a candle is lit throughout the Hanukkah celebration in remembrance of this event. The ninth light is used to light the additional eight candles. Families and friends gather together to light candles on each night of Hanukkah. The ninth light is called the shamash. The menorah is displayed in windows of homes for all to see and celebrate Hanukkah together. Read More

Tradition

Hanukkah Traditions: Driedel

Hanukkah is filled with many traditions observed during the eight day "Festival of Lights". The driedel is a spinning top with Jewish letters on each side. The driedel is made out of wood with a top and pointed four sides that allows it to spin on a flat surface. Each side has a different Hebrew letter. Children play games with the driedel during Hanukkah and each chocolate coins as prizes. The chocolate coins are called Hanukkah gelt. The object of the game is to guess what letter will appear once the driedel is finishing spinning. This is a popular game amongst children during the celebration of Hanukkah. Read More

Craft

Hanukkah Crafts: A Magnetic Menorah

Get your little ones involved and engaged this Hanukkah with this fun craft and game idea. This easy how-to video shows how you can make a Magnetic Menorah! Read More

Playlist

Chanukah Songs

Chanukah songs are joyful celebrations of the history and traditions of Chanukah. They are often sang after the lighting of the candle for the evening, and involve the whole family. We have compiled a list of the most popular songs, along with their respective lyrics so you can sing along this season. Read More

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