How to Celebrate Chanukah, or Festival of Lights
Traditions Include Lighting the Menorah, Dreidel-Playing and Latkes
Nov 7, 2008
During the holiday season, the customs or traditions of other people are sometimes overlooked in the fervor of Christmas. However, Chanukah is a very significant holiday for the Jewish people and Jews rightly honor their cultural and religious traditions.
The Story of Chanukah
During the reign of Alexander the Great, Alexander conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine, but was tolerant enough to allow the citizens of each country celebrate their unique religious traditions.
However, over one hundred years later during the reign of Antiochus IV, this ruler began severely oppressing the Jews. He prohibited the practice of Judaism and forced the sacrificial killing of pigs (a non-kosher animal) in Jewish temples.
Two groups opposed Antiochus: the Maccabees and the Pharisees. They joined in revolt and succeeded, and the temple was rededicated.
However, at the time of rededication, there was very little oil left to light the menorah, or candelabra, in the temple. The menorah was supposed to burn throughout the night, every night. Miraculously, though there was only enough oil to burn for one night, it lasted for eight days. Chanukah, or the Festival of Lights, was declared to commemorate not just the miracle of the oil, but the freedom from religious oppression.
Lighting the Chanukah Candles
Lighting the candles on the menorah is the only true religious observance of Chanukah. The menorah holds nine candles, one for each night plus a shammus (servant) candle at a larger height than the others. The shammus is lit and three blessings are recited, then the rest of the candles are lit using the shammus. The candles are allowed to burn out by themselves. By the eighth night of Chanukah, all of the candles are lit. It is customary for all members of the family to be present during the lighting of the candles.
Traditional Fried Foods for Chanukah
It is traditional to eat fried foods on Chanukah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Two common foods are latkes, also known as potato pancakes, and sufganiyots, or jelly doughnuts without the hole. A quick recipe for latkes runs as follows.
Ingrediensts
- 4 large potatoes, grated (or wash and leave unpeeled and run through the food processor)
- 2 eggs
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon flour, bread crumbs, or matzo meal
- One grated onion
Instructions
- After grating potatoes, place in a colander and squeeze as dry as possible.
- Mix with all other ingredients.
- Drop by spoonfuls on a hot, well-greased skillet. Brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.
- While continuing to cook the rest, place in a low heat oven to keep warm.
- Serve with applesauce or sour cream.
Dreidel Playing at Chanukah
Dreidels are toy tops with four Hebrew letters on each side: Nun, Gimel, Hei and Shin. These letters represent the phrase "A Great Happened There." The letters also stand for the Yiddish words nothing, all, half, and put, respectively. Game players can use anything to play with, including cookies, candy, pennies and more. Whatever letter the person spins on, represents whether they must put something in the pot, take everything out, take only half the pot out, or do nothing.
It is said that the dreidel became popular during the time of Antiochus’ oppression, as those who wanted to illegally study the Torah had to conceal their activities by playing games with a top (the dreidel) whenever an official was present.
Other Chanukah Traditions
Gift giving is not a requisite to celebrating Chanukah. However, many parents choose to give their children gifts on each of the eight nights to reduce jealousy over the Christmas gifts their friends receive. One common gift is gelt, or small chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil paper. Some families also enjoy listening to Chanukah music, including the songs "Rock of Ages," "I Have A Little Dreidel," and "Who Can Retell?"
Just like other holidays around the world during this season, Chanukah brings together families to enjoy tradition, blessings, delicious food and games for all.
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