Hanukkah - Little Known Fact About the Festival of Lights
Posted by Eric on Dec 21st 2022
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. It commemorates the miracle of the oil that occurred during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Greeks in the 2nd century BCE.
Did you read that last sentence? Hanukkah pre-dates Christianity by about 140 years? That's a little known fact!
According to the story, when the Jews reclaimed the Temple and wanted to light the menorah (a candelabrum with seven branches), they only had enough oil to last for one day. However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.
During Hanukkah, Jews light the menorah and recite prayers each night. They also eat foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Gifts are also exchanged, and it is common for children to receive small presents or money from their parents or relatives.
Hanukkah is a time for family and community, and it is a joyous holiday that is celebrated with various traditions and customs. It is a reminder of the triumph of hope over despair, and the resilience of the Jewish people.
In addition to the religious significance of Hanukkah, it is also a time for Jews to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. It is a time to share stories and traditions with loved ones, and to create new memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Hanukkah is a holiday that is full of meaning and traditions, and it is a celebration that is enjoyed by Jews around the world. It is a time to remember the past and to look to the future with hope and optimism.
To those who celebrate: Happy Hanukkah!