- It is an eight-day festival of religious observance by Jews across the world. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of Jewish troops led by Judah Maccabee over the Greek soldiers, the miracle of purified oil, which lit Menorah for eight days continuously, and the rededication of Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
- Hanukkah is spelled in several ways. Some spell it “Chanukkah” and “Hanukah” while the majority of people spell it “Hanukkah”.
- Lighting of Menorah is the main Hanukah tradition. The Hanukkah candles are added onto the special candelabrum from right to left, but are lit only from left to right. According to Chanukkah tradition, the candles on the candelabrum should not go out until the end of the festival.
- Hanerot Hallalu, an ancient Hanukkah song is recited or sang while lighting the candles.
- Traditional Hanukkah food is cooked during the festival. Oil is the key ingredient of the foods, which is a sign of tribute to the miracle of purified oil.
- Gifts are also exchanged during the festival of Hanukkah.
- A game called as “dreidel” is a popular Hanukkah tradition. People play this game with a square spinning top. Most people play this game with chocolate coins.
- Spending time with family and friends is how most people celebrate this holiday.
- The Scroll of Antiochus contained many legends about Hanukkah and was once read on the holiday.
Hanukkah Facts
Hanukkah is the annual Jewish Festival of Lights that starts on the 25th day of Kislev as per the Jewish calendar. The date varies every year according to the western calendar. For more information on this fascinating eight day festival, see the fact file below.