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Chanukah
by W.Holidays
Although Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday it is the best known to
non-Jewish people. This is due in part to its proximity to Christmas.
Chanukah (Hanukah or Hanukkah) begins on the 25th day of the
Hebrew month Kislev and lasts for eight days. Chanukah like other
Jewish holidays begins at sundown.
In 168 BCE (before the
common era), a Greek king named Antiochus ruled Jerusalem. He forced
his religion and deities upon the people. He took over the great temple
of Jerusalem, burned the holy books, and condemned the scholars to
death.
When a group of soldiers entered the village of Modin they met with a
disgruntled and rebellious group of men. They would not do as the
soldiers' bid and a fight ensued resulting in the death of the
soldiers. The men fled to the mountains where they remained attacking
and raiding the king's army for years. These men became known as the
Maccabees.
When the Maccabees were
finally able to return home, the leaders vowed to cleanse the temple
and rededicate the temple to Jehovah. To accomplish this, they
needed to reestablish the eternal light. Unfortunately, they
found only a small vessel of consecrated oil. It would take eight days
to make new oil. There was no way that small amount of oil would last,
not even for a day. But a miracle happened. It did last-for eight
days. The name Chanukah means "Dedication" which refers to this
rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Chanukah celebrates this miracle as well
as good over bad and lasts for eight days. One candle is lit each day.
A menorah traditionally holds the candles. Other traditions include
giving (or receiving) a gift each night of Chanukah, receiving Chanukah
gelt (foil covered chocolate coins), singing songs, spinning dreidels,
and feasting on wonderful food typically cooked in and with oil.
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