Hannukah

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is the Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah means dedication. The Festival of Lights commemorates the victorious Maccabees who liberated the land of Israel from the Syrian Greeks in 167 B.C.E . The Maccabees rededicated the temple and only had enough oil for one day for the menorah but miraculously the oil lasted 8 days.

About Hannukah

Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Bible. It wasn’t until 600 years after the Maccabees defeated the Greeks that it appears in the Talmud, in detail, describing the celebration. Hanukkah speaks of religious freedom and liberty making it an important Jewish holiday to be celebrated by its people.

In the US Hanukkah gained popularity in the 19th century when two Rabbis from Cincinnati, Ohio, wanted to connect their children to the synagogue. It gave them something to celebrate at the same time many Christians were celebrating Christmas.

This celebration was widely publicized and was soon being celebrated around the country. Hanukkah again became extremely important in the early 20th century when over 2 million Jewish immigrants came to America. Hanukkah allowed them to connect with each other and celebrate their religious freedom which had been oppressed for so many years.

Hanukkah traditions are an important part of the celebration. The best known are playing the Dreidel game and lighting the Menorah and saying blessings. As a family you can do other Hanukkah themed activities like reading stories about the history, making Hanukkah cards for friends and family and allowing the children to help prepare the food for the festivities. Generosity is an important part of Hanukkah, so don’t forget to set the table with an extra plate for that wondering stranger who might need a place to eat!

Recent Hannukah Questions

What month is Hannukah?

Jan 31, 6:54pm - Hannukah is usually in December. In 2008 it is December 21-29...
Is James Maslow Jewish?

Jan 29, 4:49pm - Maslow is Jewish, as said in an interview with Clevver TV. Wh...
Do you celebrate Hannukah?

Jan 16, 6:26pm - Claus here! I celebrate all the Winter holidays. Which one do...
What is the candle thing that Jews light for Hanukkah?

Jan 11, 10:08pm - During Hannukah, Jewish people light a menorah, a candelabrum...
What are some jewish activities?

Jan 11, 1:59pm - Some activities for Hannukah could be creating dreidels and S...
Is it hannukah?

Jan 10 2012, 2:29am - The Jewish holiday Chanukkah is on December 11-19, 2009. Chan...
How long is Hannukah?

Jan 07 2012, 3:20pm - To quote Adam Sandler, Hanukkah lasts "eight crazy nights." T...
Which toy is associated with the jewish holiday, hanukkah?

Jan 06 2012, 5:18pm - The dreidel is associated with the Jewish holiday of Hannukah
When is the last day of Hannukah?

Dec 26 2011, 10:21am - In the Jewish calendar, the day begins at nightfall;the last ...
When does hannukah start this year?

Dec 26 2011, 12:09am - In 2009, Hanukkah starts at sunset of December 11 through Dec...
What is the candle holder for hanukkah called?

Dec 22 2011, 10:41am - The Hannukah candle holder is called the Menorah. ChaCha!
What does the center candle on the menorah represent?

Dec 21 2011, 5:40pm - The eight candles of the menorah represent the eight days of ...
Why do Jewish people celebrate the holiday of Hannukah?

Dec 20 2011, 6:19pm - Chanukkah is the festival of lights, commemorating the rededi...
Why do Jews celebrate Hannukah?

Dec 20 2011, 12:46pm - Hanukkah, aka 'The Festival of Lights', is an 8 day Jewish Ho...
What is the difference between Hannukah and Kwanza?

Dec 20 2011, 12:36pm - Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday. Kwanzaa is an African American ...
When does Hannukah officially start?

Dec 20 2011, 10:58am - Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, and...
When does hannukah start in russia?

Dec 19 2011, 9:41am - Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 21, 2008. In 2009, it ...
Why is Hanukkah celebrated what is the history?

Dec 18 2011, 10:16am - Hannukah commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in...
What do you want for Christmas, Hannukah, or whatever you celebrate?

Dec 16 2011, 12:38pm - GF Gifts! Aldo Gift Card: Great shoe store for girls-any guys...
How many nights are in hannukah?

Dec 16 2011, 10:48am - Hanukkah is observed for eight nights. Thank you for asking C...