Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights

Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights…Hanukkah, sometimes spelled “Chanukah,” is the Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights.

This year, Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights begins tonight at sundown, December 11th, 2009.

What Is The Significance Of The Holiday For Jewish People

Hanukkah is a Hebrew word which means “dedication.” It recalls the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Syrian-Greeks in the second century B.C.

The holiday also celebrates religious freedom because the Syrian-Greeks wanted the Jews to assimilate into Greek culture and the Jews fought to maintain their traditions.

How Is Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights Observed

Lighting a menorah, reciting blessings, eating fried foods, playing games with a dreidel, which is a top and distributing gelt (money).

The menorah is a nine branched candelabra lit with either oil or candles every night of Hanukkah.

On the first night, one light plus the shamash (a helper candle used to light the other candles) is lit. On the second night, two lights plus the shamash…and so on until the eighth night when all the lights are kindled.

Why Are Fried Foods Eaten On Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights

To recall the miracle of the oil.

While there was only enough pure olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the temple for one day, miraculously, the oil burned for eight days…the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

How Long Does The Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights Last

Eight days, beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Happy Hanukkah-Chanukah-Festival of Lights from BBAC. Life is a celebration.