Hanukkah History

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What is Hanukkah?

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Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

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How long is Hanukkah celebrated?

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Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days.

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What season does Hanukkah occur in?

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Hanukkah takes place in the winter.

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What is a dreidel?

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A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that Jewish children play with during Hanukkah.

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What does the dreidel symbolize?

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The dreidel symbolizes the struggle for religious freedom and the miracle of Hanukkah.

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Who was King Antiochus?

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King Antiochus was a ruler who imposed restrictions on Jewish practices and wanted the Jewish people to worship Greek gods.

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What is the significance of the menorah during Hanukkah?

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The menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum used to hold the candles lit during Hanukkah, representing the miracle of the oil.

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What is the shamash?

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The shamash is the helper candle used to light the other candles on the menorah during Hanukkah.

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What miracle is celebrated during Hanukkah?

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The miracle of Hanukkah celebrates the oil that lasted eight days in the rededicated Temple, despite there being only enough oil for one day.

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What is the traditional food eaten during Hanukkah?

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Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), which are fried in oil.