Hanukkah / Chanuka
Nov 28, 2021 - Dec 6, 2021
Wishing a joyful Hanukkah to all of our families that celebrate this holiday.
Hanukkah is a beloved and joyous Jewish holiday observed every year in late November or December. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second Century B.C., which was an important historical moment for Jewish cultural identity. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication.”
The history of the holiday is tied to the time when Israel was struggling for existence. It is believed that after a successful revolt against a tyrannical monarch, the victorious Jewish community could find very little pure olive oil to light the Menorah, only enough for one day. However, the oil lasted for eight days, long enough to purify more oil.
A main traditional practice is to light a candle on each of the eight evenings in remembrance of God’s provision. People celebrating Hannukah also play games, exchange gifts, have family dinners and attend plays and concerts at synagogues and schools.