Hanukkah - Feast of Lights
Hanukkah (Dedication) is annual festival celebrated for eight days commencing on 25 Kislev It commemorates the victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers over Syrians, who attempt to destroy the Jewish religion as part of their plan to Hellenize their kingdom. After a three year struggle Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem .
The Temple had to be purified, because it was desecrated by Syrians, who offered sacrifices to pagan gods there. Only one-day supply of consecrated oil, for use in the candelabrum, was found in the Temple . But miraculously it lasted for eight days, which was enough time to produce new oil. Festival, also called Feast of Lights was established to commemorate this miracle and it is observed by kindling one light (candle or oil lamp) on the first night and additional light on each following night. At Hanukkah people eat food fried in oil – potato latkes and jelly donuts. They also sing special songs, exchange small gifts, children play with a spinning top called dreidel and receive real or chocolate coins – Hanukkah gelt.
Menorahs for Hanukkah have eight branches. Sometimes they are called hanukkiah . An additional (9th) light shammash (serving light) is used to kindle the other lights. This year the first candle will be lit at evening December 25.
© 2007 Developed by Jaroslav Brachtl AFirma.cz