Difference between revisions of "Hanukkah" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Holiday
 
{{Infobox Holiday
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|image        = Hanukiyot.jpg
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|image        = Hanukkijja messing.gif
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|caption      = Several chanukiyot (plural of [[chanukiyah]]) on the eighth night of the festival.
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|caption      = A simple modern menorah.
 
|holiday_name  = Hanukkah
 
|holiday_name  = Hanukkah
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|official_name = [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''חֲנֻכָּה''' or '''חנוכה'''<br> [[English language|English]] translation: "Renewal/Rededication" (of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]])
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|official_name = [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''חֲנֻכָּה''' or '''חנוכה'''<br/> [[English language|English]] translation: "Renewal/Rededication" (of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]])
 
|nickname      = Festival of Lights, Festival of Dedication
 
|nickname      = Festival of Lights, Festival of Dedication
 
|observedby    = [[Jew]]s in [[Judaism]]
 
|observedby    = [[Jew]]s in [[Judaism]]
 
|begins        = 25 [[Kislev]]
 
|begins        = 25 [[Kislev]]
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|ends          = 2 [[Tevet]] or 3 [[Tevet]]
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|ends          = 2 [[Tevet]] or 3 Tevet
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|celebrations  = Lighting [[candle]]s each night of the festival in a special Hanukkah [[menorah]] (or ''[[chanukkiyah]]'') in a visible location.  Playing the ''[[dreidel]]'' (''sevivon'') game, eating foods fried in olive oil, such as [[latke]]s (potato pancakes) and [[sufganiyot]] (jelly doughnuts).
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|celebrations  = Lighting [[candle]]s each night of the festival in a special Hanukkah [[menorah]] in a visible location.  Playing the ''[[dreidel]]'' ''(sevivon)'' game, eating foods fried in oil, such as [[latke]]s and (jelly doughnuts).
 
|type          = Jewish
 
|type          = Jewish
 
|significance  = One of two rabbinically ordained festivals. The [[Maccabee]]s successfully rebelled against [[Antiochus IV Epiphanes]]. The [[Temple in Jerusalem]] was purified, and the wicks of the [[Menorah]] miraculously burned for eight days with oil enough for only one day.
 
|significance  = One of two rabbinically ordained festivals. The [[Maccabee]]s successfully rebelled against [[Antiochus IV Epiphanes]]. The [[Temple in Jerusalem]] was purified, and the wicks of the [[Menorah]] miraculously burned for eight days with oil enough for only one day.
 
|relatedto    = [[Purim]], as a [[rabbi]]nically decreed holiday.
 
|relatedto    = [[Purim]], as a [[rabbi]]nically decreed holiday.
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|date2005      = sunset, [[December 25]] to sunset, [[January 2]]
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|date2007      = sunset, December 4 to sunset, December 12
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|date2006      = sunset, [[December 15]] to sunset, [[December 23]]
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|date2008      = sunset, December 21 to sunset, December 29
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|date2007      = sunset, [[December 4]] to sunset, [[December 12]]
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|date2009      = sunset, December 11 to sunset, December 19
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|date2008      = sunset, [[December 21]] to sunset, [[December 29]]
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|date2010      = sunset, December 1 to sunset, December 9
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|date2009      = sunset, [[December 11]] to sunset, [[December 19]]
 
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|date2010      = sunset, [[December 1]] to sunset, [[December 9]]
 
 
}}
 
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{{clearright}}
 
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'''Hanukkah''' ({{lang-he|'''חנוכה'''}}), '''Festival of Rededication'' (also known incorrectly as the '''Festival of Lights''') is an eight-day [[Jewish holiday]] beginning on the 25th day of [[Kislev]], which can occur in very late November, or throughout December.  When Hanukkah begins in the last week of December, it continues into the following January.  The festival is observed in [[Jewish]] homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second, and so on.
 
  
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In [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], the word Hanukkah is written '''{{lang|he|חנֻכה}}''' or '''{{lang|he|חנוכה}}'''.  It is most commonly transliterated to English as ''Chanukah'' or ''Hanukkah'', the latter because the sound represented by "[[Heth (letter)|CH]]" (as in "[[loch]]") does not exist in the modern English language. Other variations are discussed [[#Alternative spellings based on transliterating Hebrew letters|below]].
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'''Hanukkah''' ({{lang-he|'''חנוכה'''}}), the [[Jew]]ish '''Festival of Rededication''' (also known as the '''Festival of Lights''') is an eight-day [[Jewish holiday]] marking the rededication of the [[Temple of Jerusalem]] after the [[Macabeean revolt]] of the second century B.C.E..E. It begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish calendar month of [[Kislev]], which can occur in late November, or throughout December, occasionally continuing into the first week of January. The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second, and so on.
  
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==Commemoration==
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In [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], the word Hanukkah is written '''{{lang|he|חנֻכה}}''' or '''{{lang|he|חנוכה}}'''. It is most commonly transliterated to English as ''Chanukah'' or ''Hanukkah,'' the latter because the sound represented by "[[Heth (letter)|CH]]" (as in "[[loch]]") does not exist in the modern English language.
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The holiday was called ''Hanukkah'' meaning "dedication" because it marks the re-dedication of the Temple after its desecration under [[Antiochus IV]]. Spiritually, Hanukkah commemorates the Miracle of the Oil. According to the [[Talmud]], at the re-dedication of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]] following the victory of the [[Maccabees]] over the [[Seleucid Empire]], there was only enough consecrated [[olive oil]] to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day.  Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days - which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate new oil.
 
  
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However, non-Talmudic sources include no reference to the eight days of oil that has come to be a popular understanding and modern practice of Hanukkah.  The Greek [[deuterocanonical books]] of [[1 Maccabees]] and [[2 Maccabees]] record different reasons as the origin of the eight days of Hanukkah. 
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The holiday is a joyous one, celebrated with various traditions of food, games, special prayers, and gift-giving. Although not one of the most sacred Jewish holidays, it has grown in importance in recent centuries, especially in secular Jewish homes, where it has become a Jewish alternative to the Christian celebration of [[Christmas]].
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1 Maccabees reads that, "For eight days they celebrated the rededication of the altar. Then Judah and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the rededication...should be observed...every year...for eight days. (1 Mac.4:56-59)"
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{{toc}}
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In addition to honoring the rededication of the Temple, Hanukkah also commemorates the "miracle of the oil," in which enough holy oil for one day lasted for eight days. Spiritually, it celebrates the triumph of [[Judaism]]'s spiritual values as embodied in its [[Torah]], symbolized by the light of the [[Menorah]], as well as the victory of the Jews over the armies of the tyrant [[Antiochus IV]].
  
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2 Maccabees says, "The Jews celebrated joyfully for eight days as on the feast of Booths." 
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== The story ==
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[[Image:AntiochusIVEpiphanes.jpg|thumb|200px|Coin depicting the image of Antiochus IV Epiphanes]]
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Around 200 B.C.E. Jews lived as a semi-autonomous people in the [[land of Israel]], referred to at the time as [[Judea]], which was controlled by the [[Seleucid Empire|Seleucid]] Greek king of [[Syria]], whose administrative area emerged after the death of [[Alexander the Great]]. The Jewish people paid taxes to their Greco-Syrian overlords and accepted the Seleucids' legal authority. However, they were generally free to follow their own faith, maintain their own jobs, and engage in trade.  
  
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Another interpretation for the 8-day ceremony is that it commemorates the story of Hannah and her 7 sons. The story depicted in the [[Talmud]] {{Fact|date=February 2007}} and in the [[2 Maccabees|Book of Maccabees]] accounts how Hannah's 7 sons were tortured and executed according to [[Antiochus IV|Antiochus']] policy when they refused to bow to a statue and to taste pork. Hannah herself committed [[suicide]] after the death of her sons.
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By 175 B.C.E.. [[Antiochus IV Epiphanes]] ascended to the Seleucid throne. Known in both Jewish and Greek sources as an arrogant and vainglorious ruler, Antiochus soon became the bane of the Jews. After his choice for the high priesthood in [[Jerusalem]], Menelaus, was forced to abdicate the office, Antiochus came to Jerusalem and plundered the [[Temple of Jerusalem|Temple]]. Certain Jews rebelled violently at this, and Antiochus retaliated with utter ruthlessness.
  
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Historically, Hanukkah commemorates two events:
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In 168 B.C.E., his officer, Apollonius, captured Jerusalem and massacred many men, women, and children among the Jews. A royal decree was issued proclaiming the abolition of Jewish worship. [[Sabbath]]s and festivals were outlawed; [[circumcision]] was banned; sacred scriptures were to be surrendered, and Jews were compelled to offer sacrifices to idols. The possession of a sacred book or the performance of the rite of circumcision was reportedly punished with death. <ref>[http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1589&letter=A&search=antiochus%20IV Antiochus IV]. ''www.jewishencyclopedia.com''. Retrieved August 1, 2007.</ref>
  
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*The triumph of [[Judaism]]'s spiritual values as embodied in its [[Torah]] (symbolized by the [[Menorah]], since the Torah is compared to [[light]]) over [[Hellenistic civilization]] (considered darkness) which under [[Antiochus IV]], had attempted to [[cultural assimilation|culturally assimilate]] the Jews away from practicing Judaism's [[613 mitzvot|commandments]], by outlawing certain Jewish religious practices ([[Brit Milah]]) and forcibly installing Greek religious symbols in the [[Second Temple]].
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[[Image:Mattathias—1mac2.jpg|thumb|left|The revolt of Mattathias]]
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*The victory of the Jews over the armies of [[Antiochus IV]]. The rebellion was begun by [[Mattathias|Mattathias Maccabee]] and continued by [[Judas Maccabeus|Judah Maccabee]] and his other sons. They defeated overwhelming forces, and re-dedicated the Second Temple.
 
  
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The spiritual side of Judaism shies away from commemorating military victories, the [[Hasmonean]]s later became corrupt, and civil war between Jews is considered deplorable, so Hanukkah does not formally commemorate either of these historical events. Instead, the festival commemorates the Miracle of the Oil and the positive spiritual aspects about the Temple's re-dedication. In doing so, the oil becomes metaphor for the miraculous survival of the Jewish people through millennia of trials and tribulations.
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In 167 B.C.E. Antiochus ordered an altar to [[Zeus]] erected in the Temple and commanded the Jews to offer sacrifices to it, an intolerable outrage to pious Jews.<ref>Many scholars believe this to be the "abomination of desolation" referred to in Daniel 11: 31 and 12:11</ref> Mattathias, a [[Kohen|Jewish priest]], led a violent rebellion against Antiochus' tyranny. His son Judah became known as [[Judah Maccabee]] ("Judah the Hammer"). By 166 B.C.E. Mattathias had died, and Judah took his place as leader. Under his generalship, the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful. Jerusalem was liberated in 165 B.C.E., and the defiled Temple was reclaimed. <ref>[http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/BIBLE/1MA/1MA4.HTM#59 1 Macc. iv. 59].Retrieved December 13, 2007. </ref>
  
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===Name===
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Judah then ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the polluted one, and new holy vessels to be made. According to the [[Talmud]], oil was needed for the sacred [[menorah]] in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. But there was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight-day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle.
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The holiday is named Hanukkah ("dedication") because it marks the re-dedication of the Temple. In Hebrew, there is a term of "חנוכת בית" which is the dedication made to a house once you enter to live in it, and this was the dedication for the House of the Lord'''.
 
  
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Some scholars have noted the following regarding the name Hanukkah:
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While the part of the story concerning the oil is disputed, it is the traditionally accepted view. The [[apocrypha]]l books known as [[1 Maccabees]] and [[2 Maccabees]] record other versions of the origin of the eight days of Hanukkah. Neither of them mentions the miracle of the oil. 1 Maccabees reads that, "For eight days they celebrated the rededication of the altar. Then Judah and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the rededication… should be observed… every year… for eight days. (1 Mac.4:56-59)" 2 Maccabees says simply: "The Jews celebrated joyfully for eight days, as on the feast of Booths ([[Sukkot]])."
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*Hanukkah can be divided to Hanu and K H. "Hanu" comes from the Hebrew word for encampment. The letters K H or כ"ה signify the 25th day of Kislev in [[Gematria]] which is the beginning of the holiday. As such it's a rest on the 25th of the month.
 
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*Hanukkah is also an [[acronym]] in Hebrew for ח' נרות והלכה כבית הלל  which means "eight candles and [[Halakha]] as the [[Hillel the Elder|House of Hillel]]". This points to the disagreement between Hillel and the [[Shammai|House of Shammai]] regarding the proper way to light the candles. Shammai suggested starting with eight candles and ''reducing'' one candle every night while Hillel argued for starting with one candle and ''adding'' every night. Hillel's way was chosen as the Halakha.
 
  
 
== Historical sources ==
 
== Historical sources ==
 
=== In the Talmud ===
 
=== In the Talmud ===
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The [[miracle]] of Hanukkah is described in the [[Talmud]]. The [[Gemara]], in tractate ''Shabbat 21b'',<ref>The [[Babylonian Talmud]], [http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/t01/t0110.htm tractate ''Shabbat 21b'']. The discussion focuses on [[Shabbat]] candles and moves to Hanukkah candles.</ref> says that after the occupiers had been driven from the Temple, the [[Maccabees]] discovered that almost all of the ritual [[olive oil]] had been profaned. They found only a single container that was still [[seal (device)|seal]]ed by the [[Kohen Gadol|High Priest]], with enough oil to keep the [[Menorah]] in the Temple lit for a single day. They used this, and miraculously, that oil burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready). 
 
  
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The Talmud presents three customs:  
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The [[miracle]] of Hanukkah is described in the [[Talmud]]. The [[Gemara]], in tractate ''Shabbat 21b,'' <ref>The [[Babylonian Talmud]], [http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/t01/t0110.htm tractate ''Shabbat 21b'']. The discussion focuses on [[Shabbat]] candles and moves to Hanukkah candles. Retrieved December 13, 2007. </ref> says that after the occupiers had been driven from the Temple, the [[Maccabees]] discovered that almost all of the ritual [[olive oil]] had been profaned. They found only a single container that was still [[seal (device)|seal]]ed by the [[Kohen Gadol|High Priest]], with enough oil to keep the [[Menorah]] in the Temple lit for a single day. They used this, and miraculously, that oil burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready). 
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The Talmud presents three customs in lighting the Menorah:  
  
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#Lighting one light each night per household,  
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#Lighting one light each night,  
 
#One light each night for each member of the household, or,  
 
#One light each night for each member of the household, or,  
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#The most beautiful method, where the number of candles changed each night.
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#Changing the number of candles each night.
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There was a dispute over how the last option was to be performed: either display eight lamps on the first night of the festival, and reduce the number on each successive night; or begin with one lamp the first night, increasing the number till the eighth night. The followers of [[Shammai]] favored the former custom; the followers of [[Hillel the Elder|Hillel]] advocated the latter. As is the case in most such disputes, Jews today follow Hillel. Except in times of danger, the lights were to be placed outside one's door or in the window closest to the street.
 
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[[Josephus]] could not believe that the lights were symbolic of the liberty obtained by the Jews on the day that Hanukkah commemorates. [[Rashi]], in a note to ''Shabbat 21b,'' says their purpose is to publicize the miracle. Hanukkah is also mentioned in the (older) [[Mishnah]] (TB [[The Five Scrolls#In the Mishnah|Megillah]] 30b).
 
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=== In the Septuagint and other Sources ===
 
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The story of Hanukkah is preserved in the books of [[1 Maccabees]] and [[2 Maccabees]]. A story similar in character, and obviously older in date, is the one alluded to in 2 Maccabees 1:18 ''et seq.'', according to which the relighting of the altar-fire by [[Nehemiah(biblical)|Nehemiah]] was due to a miracle which occurred on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, and which appears to be given as the reason for the selection of the same date for the rededication of the altar by Judah Maccabeus.
 
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The Books of Maccabees are not part of the [[Tanakh]] ([[Hebrew Bible]]), but are part of [[deuterocanonical books|deuterocanonical]] historical and religious material preserved in the [[Septuagint]]. The [[Tanakh]] ends with the consequences following the events of [[Purim]], and had already been codified many centuries earlier by the [[Great Assembly|Men of the Great Assembly]] (''Anshei Knesset HaGedolah'').
 
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Another source is the [[Megillat Antiokhos]].  [[Saadia Gaon]], who translated it into Arabic in the 9th Century, ascribed to the Maccabees themselves, but this seems unlikely, since it gives dates as so many years before the destruction of the [[second temple]] in 70 C.E.  More recent scholarship dates it to somewhere between the 2nd and 5th Centuries, probably in the 2nd Century.<ref>{{cite web|first=Benjamin|last=Zvieli|title=The Scroll of Antiochus|url= http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/miketz/zev.html| accessdate=2007-01-28}}</ref>
 
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The holiday is mentioned in the [[New Testament|Christian Bible]] in the book of [[Gospel of John|John]] 10:22-23.
 
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== The story ==
 
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{{main|Hasmonean}}
 
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Around 200 B.C.E. Jews lived as an autonomous people in the [[land of Israel]], also referred to as [[Judea]], which at that time was controlled by the [[Seleucid Empire|Seleucid]] [[Seleucid dynasty|king of Syria]]. The Jewish people paid taxes to Syria and accepted its legal authority, and by and large were free to follow their own faith, maintain their own jobs, and engage in trade.  
 
  
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By 175 B.C.E. [[Antiochus IV Epiphanes]] ascended to the Seleucid throne. At first little changed, but under his reign Jews were gradually forced to violate the [[613 mitzvot|precepts of their faith]]. Jews rebelled at having to do this. Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the Temple in [[Jerusalem]] was looted, Jews were massacred, and [[Judaism]] was effectively outlawed.
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As is often the case in the Talmud, the rabbis disagreed on the best option, and there was a serious dispute over how the last option was to be performed: either by displaying eight lamps on the first night of the festival, and reduce the number on each successive night; or by beginning with one lamp the first night, increasing the number till the eighth night. The followers of [[Shammai]] favored the former custom; the followers of [[Hillel the Elder|Hillel]] advocated the latter. Jews today generally follow Hillel's practice rather than Shammai's on this and most other issues.
  
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In 167 B.C.E. Antiochus ordered an altar to [[Zeus]] erected in the Temple. Mattathias, a [[Kohen|Jewish priest]], and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah led a rebellion against Antiochus. Judah became known as Judah Maccabee ("Judah the Hammer"). By 166 B.C.E. Mattathias had died, and Judah took his place as leader. By 165 B.C.E. the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful. The Temple was liberated and rededicated.
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=== The Septuagint and other sources ===
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The festival of Hanukkah was instituted by [[Judas Maccabeus|Judah Maccabee]] and his brothers to celebrate this event.<ref>[http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/BIBLE/1MA/1MA4.HTM#59 1 Macc. iv. 59]</ref>  After recovering [[Jerusalem]] and the Temple, Judah ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the polluted one and new holy vessels to be made. According to the [[Talmud]], oil was needed for the menorah in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. But there was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah.  An eight-day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle.
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The Books of Maccabees are not part of the [[Hebrew Bible]], but are part of [[deuterocanonical books|deuterocanonical]] historical and religious material preserved in the [[Septuagint]], or Greek version of the Hebrew scriptures. Beside the already mentioned stories in [[1 Maccabees]] and [[2 Maccabees]], an older story is also alluded to in 2 Maccabees 1:18 ''et seq.'' Here, the relighting of the altar-fire by [[Nehemiah]] after the Jews returned from Babylon was due to a miracle which occurred on the twenty-fifth of Kislev. It appears that this is the origin of the traditional date of the rededication of the altar by [[Judah Maccabee]].
  
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[[Image:Hanukkah2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Hanukkah lamp unearthed near [[Jerusalem]], c. 1900.]]
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Another source related to Hanukkah is the ''[[Megillat Antiokhos]].'' The rabbinical sage [[Saadia Gaon]], who translated this scroll into [[Arabic]] in the ninth century C.E., ascribed it to the Maccabees themselves, but this seems unlikely, since internal evidence shows that its authors were aware of the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. Recent scholarship dates it to somewhere between the second and fifth centuries.<ref>Benjamin Zvieli. "The Scroll of Antiochus" [http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/miketz/zev.html] accessdate 2007-01-28. </ref>
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The version of the story in 1 Maccabees, on the other hand, states that an eight day celebration of songs and sacrifices was proclaimed upon rededication of the altar, and makes no mention of the miracle of the oil.<ref>[http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/BIBLE/1MA/1MA4.HTM#36 1 Macc. iv. 36]</ref>  A number of historians believe that the reason for the eight-day celebration was that the first Hanukkah was in effect a belated celebration of the festivals of [[Sukkot]] and [[Shemini Atzeret]]. <ref>[http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/BIBLE/2MA/2MA10.HTM#6 Macc. x. 6] and [http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/BIBLE/2MA/2MA1.HTM#9 i. 9]</ref> During the war the Jews were not able to celebrate Sukkot/Shemini Atzeret properly; the combined festivals also last eight days, and the Sukkot festivities featured the lighting of lamps in the Temple (Suk.v. 2-4). The historian [[Josephus]]<ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=J.+AJ+12.287]
 
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''Jewish Antiquities'' xii. 7, § 7, #323</ref> mentions the eight-day festival and its customs, but does not tell us the origin of the eight day lighting custom. Given that his audience was Hellenized Romans, perhaps his silence on the origin of the eight-day custom is due to its miraculous nature. In any event, he does report that lights were kindled in the household and the popular name of the festival was, therefore the "Festival of Lights" ("And from that time to this we celebrate this festival, and call it Lights").
 
  
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It has been noted that Jewish festivals are connected to the harvesting of the Biblical seven fruits which Israel was famed for. [[Pesach]] is a celebration of the barley harvest, [[Shavuot]] of the wheat, [[Sukkot]] of the figs, dates, pomegranates and grapes, and Hanukkah of the [[olive]]s. The olive harvest is in November and [[olive oil]] would be ready in time for Hanukkah in December.
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Hanukkah is also mentioned in the [[New Testament|Christian Bible]] in the book of [[Gospel of John]] 10:22-25. Here, Jesus visits the Temple during Hanukkah, and his fellow Jews ask him "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
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Jesus answers, "I did tell you, but you do not believe."
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It has also been noted that the number eight has special significance in Jewish theology, as representing transcendence and the Jewish People's special role in human history. Seven is the number of days of creation, that is, of completion of the material cosmos, and also of the [[classical planet]]s. Eight, being one step beyond seven, represents the Infinite. Hence, the Eighth Day of the Assembly festival, mentioned above, is according to Jewish Law a festival for Jews only (unlike Sukkoth, when all peoples were welcome in Jerusalem). Similarly, the rite of circumcision, which brings a Jewish male into God's Covenant, is performed on the eighth day. Hence, Hanukkah's eight days (in celebration of monotheistic morality's victory over Hellenistic humanism) have great symbolic importance for practicing Jews.
 
  
 
==Hanukkah rituals==
 
==Hanukkah rituals==
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[[Image:Hanukkah1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Various [[menorah|menorot]] used for Hanukkah, also called Hanukiot (sing. Hanukiah). 12th thru 19th century, C.E.]]        
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[[Image:Tiffany_glasswork_Hanukkah_menora02.jpg|300px|thumb|A modern [[Lead came and copper foil glasswork|"Tiffany"]] Hanukkah menorah]]
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Hanukkah has relatively simple religious rituals that are performed during the eight nights and days of the holiday. Some aspects are practiced at home by the family, other aspects are communal. There are additions to the regular daily prayer services in the [[Siddur]], the Jewish prayer book. Jewish law does not require one to refrain from activities on Hanukkah that would fit the Jewish definition of "work." <ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 670:1</ref> Thus people are allowed to go to school and work. Employees are not given the holiday off and children are generally only given two or three days off from school.
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Hanukkah has relatively simple religious rituals that are performed during the eight nights and days of the holiday. Some aspects are practiced at home by the family, other aspects are communal. There are additions to the regular daily prayer services in the [[Siddur]], the Jewish prayer book. Jewish law does not require one to refrain from activities on Hanukkah that would fit the Jewish definition of "work."<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 670:1</ref> Thus people are allowed to go to school and work. Employees are not given the holiday off and children are generally only given two or three days off from school.
 
  
 
===Kindling the Hanukkah Lights===
 
===Kindling the Hanukkah Lights===
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:{{seealso|Chanukkiyah}}
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The primary ritual, according to [[Halakha|Jewish law and custom]], is to light a single light each night for eight nights. An extra light called a ''shamash,'' meaning ''guard'' or ''servant'' is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the [[Talmud]] (Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story. This differs from [[Sabbath]] candles which are meant to be used for illumination.
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The primary ritual, according to [[Halakha|Jewish law and custom]], is to light a single light each night for eight nights. As a universally-practiced "beautification" of the [[mitzvah]], the number of lights lit is increased by one each night.<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 671:2</ref> An extra light called a ''shamash'', meaning ''guard'' or ''servant'' is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the [[Talmud]] (Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing - and meditating on - the Hanukkah story. (This differs from [[Sabbath]] candles which are meant to be used for illumination). Hence, if one were to need extra illumination on Hanukkah, the ''shamash'' candle would be available and one would avoid using the prohibited lights. Some light the ''shamash'' candle first and then use it to light the others.<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 673:1</ref> So all together, including the ''shamash'', two lights are lit on the first night, three on the second and so on, ending with nine on the last night, for a total of 44.
 
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[[Image:Tiffany_glasswork_Hanukkah_menora02.jpg|300px|thumb|A modern [[Lead came and copper foil glasswork|"Tiffany"]] Hanukkah menorah]]
 
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The lights can be candles or oil lamps.<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 673:1</ref> Electric lights are sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not permitted, such as a hospital room.  Most Jewish homes have a special [[candelabra|candelabrum]] or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, which holds eight lights plus the additional ''shamash'' light.  In the [[State of Israel]], it is usually called a "[[chanukkiyah]]". [[Ashkenazi|Ashkenazic Jews]] (central and east European Jews) mostly call it a "Hanukkah menorah,"  though ''chanukkiyah'' has become more common. Some [[Sephardi|Sephardic Jews]] (west European, Mediterranean and Latin American Jews) simply call it "a hanukkah". By contrast, the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Temple]] [[menorah]], described in [[Exodus]] 25:31 ff, which is often used to symbolize [[Judaism]], has six branches plus a central shaft, for a total of seven lamps.
 
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The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without", so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly lamps are set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street. It is customary amongst some [[Ashkenazi]]m to have a separate menorah for each family member (customs vary), whereas most [[Sephardi]]m light one ''chanukkiyah'' for the whole household. Only when there was danger of [[Anti-Semitism|anti-semitic persecution]] were lamps supposed to be hidden from public view, as was the case in [[Iran|Persia]] under the rule of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrians]], or in parts of Europe before and during World War II. However, most [[Hasidic]] groups, light lamps near an inside doorway, not necessarily in public view.  According to this tradition, the lamps are placed on the opposite side from the ''[[mezuzah]]'', so that when one passes through the door he is surrounded by the holiness of ''mitzvoth''.
 
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<br clear=left>
 
  
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[[Image:Maurice Ascalon Menorah Pal-Bell.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Bronze [[Pal-Bell]] oil-burning Hanukkah menorah from Israel circa 1948, by [[Maurice Ascalon]].]]
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The Hanukkah lights may be either candles or oil lamps. Electric lights are sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not permitted, such as a hospital room. Most Jewish homes have a special [[candelabra]] or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, which holds eight lights plus the additional ''shamash'' light. By contrast, the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Temple]] [[menorah]], described in [[Exodus]] 25:31, had six branches plus a central shaft, for a total of seven lamps.
  
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===When to light the lights===
+
Hanukkah lights are not for the "lighting of the house within," but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly, lamps are traditionally set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street. However, most [[Hasidic]] groups light lamps near an inside doorway, not necessarily in public view. According to this tradition, the lamps are placed on the opposite side from the ''[[mezuzah]],'' so that when one passes through the door he is surrounded by the holiness of ''mitzvoth.'' It is customary among some [[Ashkenazi]]m to have a separate menorah for each family member.
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Hanukkah lights should burn for at least one half hour after it gets dark (the custom of the [[Vilna Gaon]] - observed by many residents of Jerusalem as the custom of the city, is to light at sundown, although most Hassidim light later, even in Jerusalem. Many Hassidic Rebbes light much later, because they fulfill the obligation of publicising the miracle by the presence of their Hasidim when they kindle the lights.). The standard inexpensive wax candles sold for Hanukkah burn for approximately half an hour, so on most days this requirement can be met by lighting the candles when it is dark out. Friday night presents a problem, however. Candles must be lit before the start of [[Shabbat]] and inexpensive Hanukkah candles do not burn long enough to meet the requirement.  A simple solution is to use "tea lights" or Sabbath candles, arranging them in a straight line and setting the ''shamash'' candle apart and above the rest, or by using the traditional oil lamps.
 
  
 
=== Blessings over the candles ===
 
=== Blessings over the candles ===
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[[Image:Hanukkah menorah stamp 1999.jpg|thumb|right||[[United States Postal Service|US]] [[Postage stamp|stamp]] honoring Hanukkah and showing a [[Menorah]] with colored candles]]
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[[Image:Hanukkah1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Various [[menorah|menorot]] used for Hanukkah, dating from the twelfth through the nineteenth century, C.E.]]  
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Typically three blessings (''Brachot'' singular ''Brachah'') are recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews recite all three blessings, on all subsequent nights, they recite only the first two.<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 676:1-2</ref> The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit depending on tradition. On the first night of Hanukkah one light (candle, lamp, or electric) is lit on the right side of the [[Menorah]], on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first and is lit first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.
+
Typically three blessings (''Brachot,'' singular ''Brachah'') are recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews recite all three blessings; on all subsequent nights, they recite only the first two. The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit, depending on tradition. On the first night of Hanukkah one light is lit on the right side of the [[Menorah]], on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first and is lit first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.
  
 
====The first blessing====
 
====The first blessing====
 
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
 
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
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<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir (shel) chanukah.''
 
<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir (shel) chanukah.''
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: Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights."
+
:Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights."</blockquote>
−
</blockquote>
 
  
 
====The second blessing====
 
====The second blessing====
 
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
 
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
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<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu, bayamim haheim, (u)baz'man hazeh. ''
 
<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu, bayamim haheim, (u)baz'man hazeh. ''
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: Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in those days, at this season."
+
: Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in those days, at this season."</blockquote>
−
</blockquote>
 
  
 
====The third blessing====
 
====The third blessing====
 +
[[Image:Rebshia.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Reb Shia]] Rosenberger, a [[Satmar]] [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasid]] rabbi, lighting Chanukah candles]]
 
Recited only on the first night just prior to lighting the candles:  
 
Recited only on the first night just prior to lighting the candles:  
−
 
 
<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, vehigi-anu laz'man hazeh. ''
 
<blockquote>''Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, vehigi-anu laz'man hazeh. ''
−
: Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."
+
: Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."</blockquote>
−
</blockquote>
 
  
 
====After kindling the lights - ''Hanerot Halalu''====
 
====After kindling the lights - ''Hanerot Halalu''====
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When the lights are kindled the ''Hanerot Halalu'' prayer is subsequently recited:<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 676:4</ref>
+
When the lights are kindled the ''Hanerot Halalu'' prayer is subsequently recited:
−
 
 
 
([[Ashkenazi|Ashkenazic]] version):
 
([[Ashkenazi|Ashkenazic]] version):
−
 
 
<blockquote>''Hanneirot hallalu anachnu madlikin 'al hannissim ve'al hanniflaot 'al hatteshu'ot ve'al hammilchamot she'asita laavoteinu bayyamim haheim, (u)bazzeman hazeh 'al yedei kohanekha hakkedoshim. Vekhol-shemonat yemei Hanukkah hanneirot hallalu kodesh heim, ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtammesh baheim ella lir'otam bilvad kedei lehodot ul'halleil leshimcha haggadol 'al nissekha ve'al nifleotekha ve'al yeshu'otekha.''
 
<blockquote>''Hanneirot hallalu anachnu madlikin 'al hannissim ve'al hanniflaot 'al hatteshu'ot ve'al hammilchamot she'asita laavoteinu bayyamim haheim, (u)bazzeman hazeh 'al yedei kohanekha hakkedoshim. Vekhol-shemonat yemei Hanukkah hanneirot hallalu kodesh heim, ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtammesh baheim ella lir'otam bilvad kedei lehodot ul'halleil leshimcha haggadol 'al nissekha ve'al nifleotekha ve'al yeshu'otekha.''
−
: Translation: "We light these lights For the [[miracle]]s and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your [[Kohen|holy priests]]. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make them serve except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations."
+
: Translation: "We light these lights for the [[miracle]]s and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your [[Kohen|holy priests]]. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make them serve except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations."
−
</blockquote>
 
−
 
 
−
====Singing of ''Maoz Tzur'' after lighting====
 
−
{{main|Ma'oz Tzur}}
 
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Each night after the lighting of the candles, while remaining within eyeshot of the candles, [[Ashkenazi]]m (and, in recent decades, some [[Sephardi]]m and [[Mizrahi]]m in Western countries), then usually sing the following hymn written in Medieval [[Ashkenaz]] ([[Germany]]). It lists a number of events of persecution in [[Jewish history]], and praises God for survival despite these tragedies.
 
−
 
 
−
<blockquote>''Ma-oz Tzur Yeshu-ati, lecha na-eh leshabei-ah. Tikon beit tefilati vesham todah nezabei-ah. Le-et tachin matbe-ach mitzar hamnabei-ah. Az egmor beshir mizmor chanukat hamizbei-ah.''
 
−
<p>
 
−
''Ra-ot sav'ah nafshi, b'yagon kochi kilah. Chayai meir'ru b'koshi, b'shibe-ud malchut eglah. Uv'yado hag'dolah hotzi et has'gulah. Cheil Par'oh vechol zaroh yardu ke-even bim'tzulah.''
 
−
<p>
 
−
''D'vir kodsho hevi-ani vegam sham lo shakateti. Uva noges v'higlani ki zarim avad'ti. V'yein ra-al masachti kimat she-avarti. Keitz Bavel Zerubavel l'keitz shivim noshati.''
 
−
<p>
 
−
''Kerot komat b'rosh bikesh Agagi ben Hamdatah. V'nih'yata lo lefach ul'mokesh vegavato nishbata. Rosh y'mini niseita ve-oyev shemo machita. Rov banav v'kinyanav al ha-etz talita.''
 
−
<p>
 
−
''Y'vanim nikbetzu alai azai bimei Chashmanim. Ufartzu chomot migdalai vetimu kol hashmanim. Uminotar kankanim na-aseh nes lashoshanim. B'nei vinah yemei sh'monah kavu shir urna-anim.''
 
−
<p>
 
−
''Chasof z'roa kodshecha v'karev keitz hayeshu-a. Nekom nikmat dam avadecha me-uma haresha-a. Ki archa lanu hasha-a ve-ein keitz limei hara-ah. Dechei admon b'tzeil tzalmon hakeim lanu ro'im shiv'ah.''
 
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
−
Many Jews sing only the first verse, repeating the lines to form the Hanukkah melody. It is also common to sing just the first and fifth verses, the fifth dealing specifically with Hanukkah.
+
====Singing of ''Maoz Tzur'' ====
 +
Each night after the lighting of the candles, while remaining within eye shot of the candles, [[Ashkenazi]]m then usually sing the hymn ''Maoz Tzur,'' written in Medieval [[Ashkenaz]] ([[Germany]]). It lists a number of events of persecution in [[Jewish history]], and praises God for survival despite these tragedies.
  
 
==== Other Customs ====
 
==== Other Customs ====
−
 
+
Various [[Hassidic]] and [[Sefardic]] traditions have additional prayers that are recited both before and after lighting the Hanukkah lights. This includes the recitation of many Psalms, most notably Psalms 30, 67, and 91 (many Hassidim recite Psalm 91 seven times after lighting the lamps, as was taught by the [[Baal Shem Tov]]), as well as other prayers and hymns, each congregation according to its own custom.
−
Various [[Hassidic]] and [[Sefardic]] traditions have additional prayers that are recited both before and after lighting the Hanukkah lights. This includes the recitation of many Psalms, most notably Psalms 30, 67, and 91 (many Hassidim recite Psalm 91 seven times after lighting the lamps, as was taught by the [[Baal Shem Tov]]), as well as other prayers and hymns, each congregation according to its own custom.
 
  
 
=== Additions to the daily prayers ===
 
=== Additions to the daily prayers ===
−
An addition is made to the "''hoda'ah''" (thanksgiving) benediction in the [[Amidah]], called ''Al ha-Nissim'' ("On/about the Miracles").<ref>''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' ''[[Orach Chayim]]'' 682:1</ref> This addition refers to the victory achieved over the Syrians by the Hasmonean Mattathias and his sons. (The erroneous designation of Mattathias as son of Johanan the high priest seems to rest upon the late Hebrew apocryphal "''[[Megillath Antiokhos]]''" or "''Megillath Hanukkah''," which has other names and dates strangely mixed.) The liturgical part inserted reads as follows:
+
[[Image:Maurice Ascalon Menorah Pal-Bell.jpg|thumb|220px|Bronze [[Pal-Bell]] oil-burning Hanukkah menorah from Israel circa 1948, by [[Maurice Ascalon]].]]
−
 
+
An addition is made to the "''hoda'ah''" (thanksgiving) benediction in the [[Amidah]], called ''Al ha-Nissim'' ("On the Miracles"). This addition refers to the victory achieved over the Syrians by the Hasmonean Mattathias and his sons. The same prayer is added to the grace after meals. In addition, the ''[[Hallel]]'' Psalms are sung during each morning service and the ''[[Tachanun]]'' penitential prayers are omitted. The Torah is read every day in the synagogue, the first day beginning from Numbers 6:22 (According to some customs, Numbers 7:1), and the last day ending with Numbers 8:4.
−
<blockquote>''Al hanisim v'al hapurkan v'al hag'vurot v'al hat'shuot, v'al hamilchamot she-asita la-avoteinu bayamim haheim bazman hazeh. Bimei Matityahu ben Yochanan kohein gadol chashmonai u-vanav, k'she-amda malchut yavan har'sha-a al amcha Yisrael l'hashkicham toratecha ul'ha-aviram meichukei r'tzonecha. V'ata b'rachamecha harabim amadta lahem b'eit tzaratam, ravta et rivam, danta et dinam, nakamta et nikmatam, masarta giborim b'yad chalashim v'rabim b'yad chalashim v'rabim b'yad m'atim, ut'mei-im b'yad t'horim, ursha-im b'yad tzadikim v'zeidim b'yad os'kei toratecha. Ul-cha asita t'shu-a g'dola ufurkan k'hayom hazeh. V'achar kein ba-u vanecha lidvir beitecha ufinu et heichalecha v'tiharu et mikdsashecha v'hidliku neirot b'chatzrot kodsecha v'kav'u sh'monat y'mei Chanuka eilu l'hodot ul'haleil l'shimcha hagadol.''
 
−
: Translation: "We thank You also for the miraculous deeds and for the redemption and for the mighty deeds and the saving acts wrought by You, as well as for the wars which You waged for our ancestors in ancient days at this season. In the days of the Hasmonean Mattathias, son of Johanan the high priest, and his sons, when the iniquitous Greco-Syrian kingdom rose up against Your people Israel, to make them forget Your Torah and to turn them away from the ordinances of Your will, then You in your abundant mercy rose up for them in the time of their trouble, pled their cause, executed judgment, avenged their wrong, and delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and insolent ones into the hands of those occupied with Your Torah. Both unto Yourself did you make a great and holy name in Thy world, and unto Your people did You achieve a great deliverance and redemption. Whereupon your children entered the sanctuary of Your house, cleansed Your temple, purified Your sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courts, and appointed these eight days of Hanukkah in order to give thanks and praises unto Your holy name."
 
−
</blockquote>
 
  
−
The same prayer is added to the grace after meals. In addition, the ''[[Hallel]]'' Psalms are sung during each morning service and the ''[[Tachanun]]'' penitential prayers are omitted. The Torah is read every day in the synagogue, the first day beginning from Numbers 6:22 (According to some customs, Numbers 7:1), and the last day ending with Numbers 8:4.
+
Since Hanukkah lasts eight days, it includes at least one, and sometimes two, [[Shabbat|Sabbaths]]. The weekly [[Parsha|Torah portion]] for the first Sabbath is almost always ''[[Miketz]]'', telling of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]]'s dream and his enslavement in [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]]. The ''[[Haftarah]]'' reading for the first Sabbath Hanukkah is [[Book of Zechariah|Zechariah]] 2:14-4:7. When there is a second Sabbath on Hanukkah, the ''Haftarah'' reading is from [[I Kings]] 7:40-50.
  
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Since Hanukkah lasts eight days it includes at least one, and sometimes two, [[Shabbat|Sabbaths]]. The weekly [[Parsha|Torah portion]] for the first Sabbath is almost always ''[[Miketz]]'', telling of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]]'s dream and his enslavement in [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]].  The ''[[Haftarah]]'' reading for the first Sabbath Hanukkah is [[Book of Zechariah|Zechariah]] 2:14-4:7.  When there is a second Sabbath on Hanukkah, the ''Haftarah'' reading is from [[I Kings]] 7:40 - 7:50.
+
The Hanukkah ''menorah'' is also kindled daily in the synagogue, at night with the blessings and in the morning without the blessings. The menorah is not lit on the Sabbath, but rather prior to the beginning of the Sabbath at night and not at all during the day.
−
 
 
−
The Hanukkah ''menorah'' is also kindled daily in the synagogue, at night with the blessings and in the morning without the blessings. The menorah is not lit on the Sabbath, but rather prior to the beginning of the Sabbath at night and not at all during the day.  Some congregations have the custom of throwing towels at the one who kindles the menorah in the synagogue, in order to demonstrate that he has not fulfilled his obligation to kindle, and must still kindle again later in his home.
 
  
 
=== ''Zos Hanukkah'' ===
 
=== ''Zos Hanukkah'' ===
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+
The last day of Hanukkah is known as ''Zos Hanukkah,'' from the verse in the Book of Numbers 7:84 "''Zos Chanukas Hamizbe'ach''"—"This was the dedication of the altar," which is read on this day in the synagogue. According to the teachings of the ''[[Kaballah]]'' and [[Hasidism]], this day is the final "seal" of the High Holiday season of ''[[Yom Kippur]],'' and is considered a time to repent out of love for God. In this spirit, many Hassidic Jews wish each other "''Gmar chasimah tovah,''" "may you be sealed totally for good," a traditional greeting for the ''Yom Kippur'' season. It is taught in Hassidic and Kabbalistic literature that this day is particularly auspicious for the fulfillment of prayers.
−
The last day of Hanukkah is known as ''Zos Hanukkah'', from the verse in the Book of Numbers 7:84 "''Zos Chanukas Hamizbe'ach''" - "This was the dedication of the altar", which is read on this day in the synagogue. According to the teachings of ''[[Kabballah]]'' and [[Hasidism]], this day is the final "seal" of the High Holiday season of ''[[Yom Kippur]]'', and is considered a time to repent out of love for God. In this spirit, many Hassidic Jews wish each other "''Gmar chasimah tovah''", "may you be sealed totally for good", a traditional greeting for the ''Yom Kippur'' season. It is taught in Hassidic and Kabbalistic literature that this day is particularly auspicious for the fulfillment of prayers.
 
−
 
 
−
==Judith and Holofernes==
 
−
[[Image:PittiAlloriJudith.jpg|thumb|left|An artist's rendition of the story of Judith]]
 
−
 
 
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There is a Custom of eating dairy foods, especially cheese, on Hanukkah. This originates with the story of Judith, as related in the book of [[Judith]](''Yehudit''/''Yehudis'' in Hebrew). [[Holofernes]], an Assyrian general, surrounds the village of Bethulia during a campaign to conquer Judea. After intense fighting and Holofernes cutting off the Jews' water supply, the situation is desperate. Judith, a pious widow, tells the city leaders that she has a plan to save the city. Judith goes to the Assyrian camps and pretends to surrender. She meets Holofernes and he is taken with her beauty and takes her to his tent, where he intends to sleep with her. She plies him with salty cheese, and then with wine, until he passes out, at which point Judith beheads Holofernes and escapes from the camp and back to the city, taking Holofernes' head with her. When the Greek soldiers find his corpse, they are overcome with fear; the Jews, on the other hand, are emboldened, and launch a counterattack which is successful. The town is saved, the Assyrians defeated.
 
−
 
 
−
Many argue that Holofernes was actually Greek, placing the events in the general timeframe of Hanukkah. In fact, the longstanding tradition that Judith was the daughter of Mattathias, the Hasmonean High Priest, and sister to Judah the Maccabee, is how this story came to be associated with Hanukkah.
 
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The story of Judith is often seen represented in Jewish and Christian art — the Wikipedia entry on [[Holofernes]] mentions some of the major artists who have explored this story in paintings and sculpture.
 
  
 
==Traditional Hanukkah foods==
 
==Traditional Hanukkah foods==
−
[[Image:sufganiyah.jpeg|thumb|right|Sufganiyot with jelly]]
+
[[Image:Latkes frying.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Potato latkes draining (left) and frying (right)]]
−
[[Potato pancakes]], known as [[latke]]s in [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]], are traditionally associated with Hanukkah (especially among [[Ashkenazi]] families) because there is a custom to eat foods fried or baked in oil, preferably [[olive oil]], as the original miracle of the Hanukkah menorah involved the discovery of the small flask of oil used by the Jewish High Priest (the [[Kohen Gadol]]).
+
[[Potato pancakes]], known as [[latke]]s in [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]], are traditionally associated with Hanukkah (especially among [[Ashkenazi]] families) because there is a custom to eat foods fried or baked in oil. This commemorates the fact that the original miracle of the Hanukkah [[menorah]] involved the discovery of the small flask of oil sealed by the Jewish High Priest in the [[Temple of Jerusalem]]. Many [[Sephardic]] families, as well as [[Polish Jews|Polish]] Ashkenazim and [[Israel]]is, have the custom to eat all kinds of [[doughnut]]s ({{lang-yi|פאנטשקעס ''pontshkes''}}), ([[bimuelos]], or [[sufganiyah|sufganiyot]]) which are [[Frying|deep-fried]] in oil.
−
 
 
−
Many [[Sephardic]] families as well as [[Polish Jews|Polish]] Ashkenazim and [[Israel]]is have the custom to eat all kinds of [[doughnut]]s ({{lang-yi|פאנטשקעס ''pontshkes''}}), ([[bimuelos]], or [[sufganiyah|sufganiyot]]) which are [[Frying|deep-fried]] in oil.
 
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{{-}}
 
  
 
==Hanukkah games==
 
==Hanukkah games==
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{{main|Dreidel}}
 
{{main|Dreidel}}
 
[[Image:Dreidel 001.jpg|thumb|right|Dreidel]]  
 
[[Image:Dreidel 001.jpg|thumb|right|Dreidel]]  
−
The ''dreidel'', or ''sevivon'' in Hebrew, (a four-sided spinning top) is associated with Hanukkah. It has four sides, each engraved with a different Hebrew letter:
+
The ''dreidel,'' or ''sevivon'' in Hebrew, (a four-sided spinning top) is associated with Hanukkah. It has four sides, each engraved with a different Hebrew letter:
  
 
*נ ''([[Nun (letter)|Nun]])''  
 
*נ ''([[Nun (letter)|Nun]])''  
Line 210: Line 135:
 
*ש ''([[Shin (letter)|Shin]])''
 
*ש ''([[Shin (letter)|Shin]])''
  
−
These letters are an acronym for the Hebrew words, נס גדול היה שם, '''''N'''es '''G'''adol '''H'''aya '''S'''ham''&mdash;"A great miracle happened there" (referring to the miracle of the oil that took place in the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Beit Hamikdash]]).  
+
These letters are an acronym for the Hebrew words, נס גדול היה שם, '''''N'''es '''G'''adol '''H'''aya '''S'''ham''&mdash;"A great miracle happened there" (referring to the miracle of the oil that took place in the [[Temple in Jerusalem]]).  
  
−
In the [[State of Israel]], the fourth side of most dreidels instead shows the letter פ ''([[Pe (letter)|Pe]])'', rendering the acronym, נס גדול היה פה, '''''N'''es '''G'''adol '''H'''aya '''P'''o''&mdash;"A great miracle happened here" (referring to the fact that the miracle occurred in the land of Israel). This custom was adopted after the capture of East [[Jerusalem]] during the [[Six Day War]]. It is rejected by most [[Haredim]], and toy stores in haredi neighbourhoods still sell the traditional ''Shin'' dreidels.
+
In the [[State of Israel]], the fourth side of most dreidels instead shows the letter פ ''([[Pe (letter)|Pe]])'', rendering the acronym, נס גדול היה פה, '''''N'''es '''G'''adol '''H'''aya '''P'''o''&mdash;"A great miracle happened here" (referring to the fact that the miracle occurred in the land of Israel). This custom was adopted after the capture of East [[Jerusalem]] during the [[Six Day War]].
  
−
Traditional Jewish commentaries ascribe deep symbolism to the markings on the dreidel. One commentary, for example, connects the four letters with the four exiles to which the nation of Israel was historically subject&mdash;Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome.<ref>http://www.ohr.org.il/yhiy/article.php/1309</ref>
+
Traditional Jewish commentaries ascribe deep symbolism to the markings on the dreidel. One commentary, for example, connects the four letters with the four exiles to which the nation of Israel was historically subject&mdash;[[Babylonia]], [[Persia]], [[Greece]], and [[Rome]].
 
   
 
   
−
The dreidel is the centerpiece of a game which is often played after the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, to keep the children interested during the short time the candles are burning. Each player starts out with 10 or 15 coins, nuts or other markers, and places one marker into the "pot". The first player spins the dreidel, which lands with one of its symbols facing up, indicating the appropriate action to be taken, corresponding to one of the following [[Yiddish Language|Yiddish]] words:
+
The dreidel is the centerpiece of a game which is often played after the lighting of the Hanukkah [[menorah]], to keep the children interested during the short time the candles are burning. Each player starts out with 10 or 15 coins, nuts or other markers, and places one marker into the "pot." The first player spins the dreidel, which lands with one of its symbols facing up, indicating the appropriate action to be taken, corresponding to one of the following [[Yiddish Language|Yiddish]] words:
 
*Nun - ''nisht'' - "not" - nothing happens and the next player spins
 
*Nun - ''nisht'' - "not" - nothing happens and the next player spins
 
*Gimel - ''gants'' - "all" -  the player takes the entire pot
 
*Gimel - ''gants'' - "all" -  the player takes the entire pot
Line 222: Line 147:
 
*Shin - ''shtel ayn'' - "put in" - the player puts one marker in the pot
 
*Shin - ''shtel ayn'' - "put in" - the player puts one marker in the pot
  
−
Another version differs in that nun is ''nem'' - "take", while gimel is ''gib'' - "give".
 
 
The game may last until one person has won everything.
 
The game may last until one person has won everything.
  
Line 228: Line 152:
  
 
===Hanukkah ''gelt''===
 
===Hanukkah ''gelt''===
−
Hanukkah ''gelt'' ([[Yiddish language|Yiddish]] for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In [[Israel]], Hanukkah ''gelt'' is known as ''dmei Hanukkah''.  Many [[Hassidic]] [[Rebbe]]s distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hassidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a ''[[segulah]]'' for success.
+
Hanukkah ''gelt'' ([[Yiddish language|Yiddish]] for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In [[Israel]], Hanukkah ''gelt'' is known as ''dmei Hanukkah.'' Many [[Hassidic]] [[Rebbe]]s distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hassidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a ''[[segulah]]'' for success.
  
−
Twentieth-century [[United States|American]] [[chocolatier]]s picked up on the gift/coin concept by creating chocolate ''gelt'', or chocolate shaped and stamped like coins and wrapped in gold or silver foil. Chocolate ''gelt'' is often used in place of money in dreidel games.
+
Twentieth-century [[United States|American]] [[chocolatier]]s picked up on the gift/coin concept by creating chocolate ''gelt,'' or sweetened chocolate shaped and stamped like coins and wrapped in gold or silver foil. Chocolate ''gelt'' is often used in place of money in dreidel games.
  
 
==Interaction with other traditions==
 
==Interaction with other traditions==
−
Hanukkah gained increased importance with many Jewish families in the [[twentieth century]], including large numbers of [[secular Jews]] who wanted a Jewish alternative to the [[Christmas]] celebrations that often overlap with Hanukkah.
+
Hanukkah gained increased importance with many Jewish families in the twentieth century, including large numbers of [[secular Jews]] who wanted a Jewish alternative to the [[Christmas]] celebrations that often overlap with Hanukkah.
−
 
 
−
In recent years, an amalgam of Christmas and Hanukkah has emerged &mdash; dubbed "[[Chrismukkah]]" &mdash; celebrated by some [[Intermarriage|mixed-faith]] families, particularly in the United States. A decorated tree has come to be called a "[[Hanukkah bush]]". Other Jews ([[tongue-in-cheek]]) simultaneously acknowledge both the increasing secularization of the holiday season and their Jewish roots by wishing each other a "happy cholidays."
 
−
 
 
−
Though it was traditional to give "gelt" or money coins to children during Hanukkah, in many families this has changed into gifts in order to prevent Jewish children from feeling left out of the Christmas gift giving.
 
−
 
 
−
These secular traditions are not a traditional part of the Hanukkah observance, and are often frowned upon by more observant and traditionally-minded Jews.
 
−
 
 
−
The [[African American]] festival of [[Kwanzaa]] incorporates a ritual similar to that of the menorah. Every day of the week-long festival, celebrants light one candle in a seven-branch candleholder called a ''[[kinara]]''. Each candle represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
 
  
−
==Alternative spellings based on transliterating Hebrew letters==
+
In recent years, an amalgam of Christmas and Hanukkah has emerged &mdash; dubbed "[[Chrismukkah]]" &mdash; celebrated by some [[Intermarriage|mixed-faith]] families, particularly in the United States. A decorated tree has come to be called a "[[Hanukkah bush]]." Though it was traditional to give "gelt" or money coins to children during Hanukkah, in many families this has changed into gifts in order to prevent Jewish children from feeling left out of the Christmas gift giving.
−
As mentioned above, there is a frequent confusion over the many alternative spellings of Hanukkah in the English language [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5070172]. The only standard spelling of Hanukkah is the Hebrew five letters - Ḥeth (Ch, H) Nun Vav Kaf Hey - plus the vowels, which are not written in standard Hebrew. But the letter "[[Heth (letter)|heth]]" is pronounced differently in modern Hebrew ([[voiceless velar fricative]]) than in classical Hebrew ([[voiceless pharyngeal fricative]]), and neither of those sounds is unambiguously representable in English spelling. Moreover, the 'kaf' consonant is [[geminate]] in classical (but not modern) Hebrew. Adapting the classical Hebrew pronunciation with the geminate and pharyngeal Ḥeth can lead to the spelling "Hanukkah"; while adapting the modern Hebrew pronunciation with no geminate and velar Ḥeth leads to the spelling "Chanukah".
 
−
[[Image:Hanukkah.png|150px|right|thumb|Spelling variations are due to transliteration of Hebrew Chet Nun Vav Kaf Hey]]
 
  
−
* Hanukkah (most common in the United States)
+
These secular traditions are not a traditional part of the Hanukkah observance, and are often frowned upon by more observant and traditional-minded Jews.
−
* Chanukah (common alternative in the United States)
 
−
* Hanukah (less common alternative in the United States)
 
−
* Chanuka  (rare spelling)
 
−
* Chanukkah (most used in Canada, Australia, and UK)
 
−
* Hanuka  (rare spelling)
 
−
* Channukah
 
−
* Hanukka  (rare spelling)
 
−
* Khanike ([[YIVO]] standard [[transliteration]] from the Yiddish and/or Ashkenazic [[pronunciation]] of the Hebrew)
 
  
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
 
===Chronology===
 
===Chronology===
−
[[Image:Hasmonean-map.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The Hasmonean Kingdom]]
+
[[Image:Hanukkah2.jpg|thumb|Ancient Hanukkah lamp unearthed near [[Jerusalem]], c. 1900.]]
−
*198 BCE: Armies of the Selucid King [[Antiochus III]] (Antiochus the Great) oust [[Ptolemy V Epiphanes|Ptolemy V]] from Judea and Samaria.
+
*198 B.C.E.: Armies of the Selucid King [[Antiochus III]] (Antiochus the Great) oust [[Ptolemy V Epiphanes|Ptolemy V]] from Judea and Samaria.
−
*175 BCE: [[Antiochus IV]] (Epiphanes) ascends the Seleucid throne.
+
*175 B.C.E.: [[Antiochus IV]] (Epiphanes) ascends the Seleucid throne.
−
*168 BCE: Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the Temple is looted, Jews are massacred, and [[Judaism]] is outlawed.
+
*168 B.C.E.: Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the Temple is looted, Jews are massacred, and [[Judaism]] is outlawed.
−
*167 BCE: Antiochus orders an altar to [[Zeus]] erected in the Temple. Mattathias, and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah lead a rebellion against Antiochus. Judah becomes known as Judah Maccabe (Judah The Hammer).
+
*167 B.C.E.: Antiochus orders an altar to [[Zeus]] erected in the Temple. Mattathias, and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah lead a rebellion against Antiochus. Judah becomes known as Judah Maccabe (Judah The Hammer).
−
*166 BCE: Mattathias dies, and Judah takes his place as leader. The [[Hasmonean]] Jewish Kingdom begins; It lasts until 63 BCE
+
*166 B.C.E.: Mattathias dies, and Judah takes his place as leader. The [[Hasmonean]] Jewish Kingdom begins; It lasts until 63 B.C.E.
−
*165 BCE: The Jewish revolt against the [[Seleucid]] monarchy is successful. The Temple is liberated and rededicated (Hanukkah).
+
*165 B.C.E.: The Jewish revolt against the [[Seleucid]] monarchy is successful. The Temple is liberated and rededicated (Hanukkah).
−
*142 BCE: Establishment of the Second Jewish Commonwealth. The Seleucids recognize Jewish autonomy. The Seleucid kings have a formal overlordship, which the Hasmoneans acknowledged.  This inaugurates a period of great geographical expansion, population growth, and religious, cultural and social development.  
+
*142 B.C.E.: Establishment of the Second Jewish Commonwealth. The Seleucids recognize Jewish autonomy. The Seleucid kings have a formal overlordship, which the Hasmoneans acknowledged.  This inaugurates a period of great geographical expansion, population growth, and religious, cultural and social development.  
−
*139 BCE: The [[Roman Senate]] recognizes Jewish autonomy.
+
*139 B.C.E.: The [[Roman Senate]] recognizes Jewish autonomy.
−
*130 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII besieges [[Jerusalem]], but withdraws.  
+
*131 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII besieges [[Jerusalem]], but withdraws.  
−
*131 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII dies. The [[Hasmonean]] Jewish Kingdom throws off Syrian rule completely  
+
*130 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII dies. The [[Hasmonean]] Jewish Kingdom throws off Syrian rule completely  
−
*96 BCE: An eight year civil war begins.
+
*96 B.C.E.: An eight year civil war begins.
−
*83 BCE: Consolidation of the Kingdom in territory east of the [[Jordan River]].
+
*83 B.C.E.: Consolidation of the Kingdom in territory east of the [[Jordan River]].
−
*63 BCE: The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom comes to an end due to rivalry between the brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II, both of whom appeal to the [[Roman Republic]] to intervene and settle the power struggle on their behalf. The Roman general [[Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus]] (Pompey the Great) is dispatched to the area. Twelve thousand Jews are massacred as Romans enter Jerusalem. The Priests of the Temple are struck down at the Altar. Rome annexes Judea.
+
*63 B.C.E.: The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom comes to an end due to rivalry between the brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II, both of whom appeal to the [[Roman Republic]] to intervene and settle the power struggle on their behalf. The Roman general [[Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus]] (Pompey the Great) is dispatched to the area. Twelve thousand Jews are massacred as Romans enter Jerusalem. The Priests of the Temple are struck down at the Altar. Rome annexes Judea.
−
 
 
−
===Battles of the Maccabean revolt===
 
−
{{main|Maccabees}}
 
−
There were a number of key battles between the Maccabees and the Seleucid Syrian-Greeks:
 
−
 
 
−
*[[Battle of Adasa]] ([[Judas Maccabeus]] leads the Jews to victory against the forces of Nicanor.)
 
−
*[[Battle of Beth Horon]] (Judas Maccabeus defeats the forces of [[Seron (seleucid)|Seron]].)
 
−
*[[Battle of Beth Zur]] (Judas Maccabeus defeats the army of [[Lysias (Syrian chancellor)|Lysias]], recapturing Jerusalem.)
 
−
*[[Battle of Beth-zechariah]] (Elazar the Maccabee is killed in battle. Lysias has success in battle against the Maccabess, but allows them temporary freedom of worship.)
 
−
*[[Battle of Emmaus]] (Judas Maccabeus fights the forces of [[Lysias (Syrian chancellor)|Lysias]] and [[Gorgias (Syrian general)|Georgias]]).
 
−
*[[Dathema]] (A Jewish fortress saved by Judas Maccabeus.)
 
−
*[[Battle of Elasa]] (Judas Maccabeus dies in battle against the army of [[Demetrius I Soter|King Demetrius]] and [[Bacchides]]. He is succeeded by [[Jonathan Maccabaeus]] and [[Simon Maccabaeus]] who continue to lead the Jews in battle.)
 
  
 
==When Hanukkah occurs==
 
==When Hanukkah occurs==
−
{{further|[[Jewish holidays 2000-2050]]}}
+
The dates of Hanukkah are determined by the [[Hebrew Calendar]]. Hanukkah begins at the twenty-fifth day of [[Kislev]] and concludes on the second or third day of [[Tevet]] (Kislev can have 29 or 30 days). The Jewish day begins at sunset, whereas the [[Gregorian Calendar]] begins the day at midnight. So, the first day of Hanukkah actually begins at sunset of the day immediately before the date noted on Gregorian calendars.   
−
 
 
−
The dates of Hanukkah are determined by the [[Hebrew Calendar]]. Hanukkah begins at the 25th day of [[Kislev]] and concluding on the 2nd or 3rd day of [[Tevet]] (Kislev can have 29 or 30 days). The Jewish day begins at sunset, whereas the [[Gregorian Calendar]] begins the day at midnight. So, the first day of Hanukkah actually begins at sunset of the day immediately before the date noted on Gregorian calendars.   
 
−
 
 
−
For example, in 2006 Gregorian calendars will likely list Hanukkah on Saturday, [[December 16]], but 25 Kislev actually begins at sunset on [[December 15]] and so the first candle will be lit on that Friday evening, shortly before sunset since it is also the start of [[Shabbat]]. Two candles will be lit on Saturday night after dark and the end of Shabbat. Three candles will be lit after dark on Sunday, and so on for the rest of the week, except for the following Friday, December 22, when the last 8 candles are lit, again shortly before sunset. The holiday will end after sundown on December 23.
 
  
 
===Hanukkah's dates in the Gregorian calendar===
 
===Hanukkah's dates in the Gregorian calendar===
Line 298: Line 188:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
−
*[[December 3]], [[1980]]
+
*December 5, 2007
−
*[[December 21]], [[1981]]
+
*December 22, 2008
−
*[[December 11]], [[1982]]
+
*December 12, 2009
−
*[[December 1]], [[1983]]
+
*December 2, 2010
−
*[[December 19]], [[1984]]
 
−
*[[December 8]], [[1985]]
 
−
*[[December 27]], [[1986]]
 
−
*[[December 16]], [[1987]]
 
−
*[[December 4]], [[1988]]
 
−
*[[December 23]], [[1989]]
 
−
||
 
−
*[[December 12]], [[1990]]
 
−
*[[December 2]], [[1991]]
 
−
*[[December 20]], [[1992]]
 
−
*[[December 9]], [[1993]]
 
−
*[[November 28]], [[1994]]
 
−
*[[December 18]], [[1995]]
 
−
*[[December 6]], [[1996]]
 
−
*[[December 24]], [[1997]]
 
−
*[[December 14]], [[1998]]
 
−
*[[December 4]], [[1999]]
 
 
||
 
||
−
*[[December 22]], [[2000]]
+
*December 21, 2011
−
*[[December 10]], [[2001]]
+
*December 9, 2012
−
*[[November 30]], [[2002]]
+
*November 28, 2013
−
*[[December 20]], [[2003]]
 
−
*[[December 8]], [[2004]]
 
−
*[[December 26]], [[2005]]
 
−
*[[December 16]], [[2006]]
 
−
*[[December 5]], [[2007]]
 
−
*[[December 22]], [[2008]]
 
−
*[[December 12]], [[2009]]
 
 
||
 
||
−
*[[December 2]], [[2010]]
+
*December 17, 2014
−
*[[December 21]], [[2011]]
+
*December 7, 2015
−
*[[December 9]], [[2012]]
+
*December 25, 2016
−
*[[November 28]], [[2013]]
+
||
−
*[[December 17]], [[2014]]
+
*December 13, 2017
−
*[[December 7]], [[2015]]
+
*December 3, 2018
−
*[[December 25]], [[2016]]
+
*December 23, 2019
−
*[[December 13]], [[2017]]
 
−
*[[December 3]], [[2018]]
 
−
*[[December 23]], [[2019]]
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==See also==  
 
==See also==  
−
{{portalpar|Holidays|Menora.svg}}
 
 
*[[Hasmonean]]
 
*[[Hasmonean]]
 
*[[Maccabees]]
 
*[[Maccabees]]
 
*[[Jewish holiday]]s
 
*[[Jewish holiday]]s
 
*[[Temple in Jerusalem]]
 
*[[Temple in Jerusalem]]
−
*''[[County of Allegheny v. ACLU]]'' on the constitutionality of Hanukkah displays on public property in the U.S.
 
−
*[[Short-lived recurring characters on Saturday Night Live#Hanukkah Harry|Hanukkah Harry]]
 
−
*[[Hanukkah bush]]
 
−
*''[[Hanukkah Rocks]]'' - 2005 album by [[The LeeVees]]
 
  
−
==References==
+
==Notes==
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
==References==
 +
*Carlon, David D. ''Macabee.'' Parker, CO: Outskirts Press, 2007. ISBN 9781432701659
 +
*Healy, Mark and Hook, Richard. ''Warriors of the Old Testament: Joshua, King David, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas Maccabeus.'' Firebird Books, Penguin imprint, 1990. ISBN 9781853141027
 +
*Wolfe, Robert. ''The Origins of the Messianic Ideal.'' J-Rep, 2003. ISBN 9780964246539 
 +
*Wolfson, Ron and Grishaver, Joel Lurie. ''Hanukkah, 2nd Edition: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration,'' 2nd edition, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing;  2001. ISBN 9781580231220
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
{{commonscat|Hanukkah}}
+
All links retrieved July 27, 2017.
−
=== General ===
+
* [http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default.asp Complete Hanukkah Guide] ''www.chabad.org.''
−
* [http://judaism.about.com/od/chanukah/a/abouthanukkah.htm About Hanukkah]
+
* [http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/chanukah/5755/vol1no59.html Chanukah - A Spiritual Holiday]. ''www.torah.org''.  
−
* [http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default.asp Complete Hanukkah Guide, with how-to's, songs, stories and children's activities] on chabad.org
+
* [http://www.midrash.org/halakha/hanukkah.html Sephardic traditions and history]. ''www.midrash.org''.
−
* [http://www.aish.com/holidays/chanukah/ Chanukah - Aish.com - how to light, stories, children's activities]
+
*[http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/Hanukkah_Recipes_Kosher_Jewish_Holiday_Food.htm Hanukkah Recipes]. ''kosherfood.about.com''.
−
* [http://www.613.org/chanuka.html Chanuka classes and songs of 613.org Torah audio]
 
−
* [http://www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/chanukah/5755/vol1no59.html Hannuka - A Spiritual Holiday - Torah.org]
 
−
* [http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm Chanukkah - Judaism 101 with links to tunes, recipes, and a virtual ''dreidel'' game for two]
 
−
* [http://www.tikkun.org/rabbi_lerner/chanukah Another Miracle of Chanukah] Chanukah and Idealistic Non-Conformity on Tikkun
 
−
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/flash/0,5860,1673570,00.html  A short interactive guide]
 
−
* [http://www.torahtruejews.com/parsha/docs/Vol1-9-123005.pdf Satmar Teachings about Hanukkah (Page 2)]
 
−
* [http://www.midrash.org/halakha/hanukkah.html Midrash Hanukkah with Sephardic traditions and history]
 
−
* [http://www.geocities.com/justdreidels/index.html Just Dreidels a site centered around the dreidel]
 
−
* [http://mishnetorah.com/pdf/hanukaMT.pdf Halachot from Mishne Torah, the Code of Maimonides - in hebrew]
 
−
* [http://biblicalholidays.com/hanukkah.htm Hanukkah Information]
 
−
* [http://www.xmradio.com/hanukkah XM Satellite Radio Broadcast Info For Radio Hanukkah]
 
−
* [http://www.itzuviem.com/Chanukah/ More on Hanukkah and the draidel]
 
  
−
=== Songs ===
+
{{Credit|110250080}}
−
* [http://judaism.about.com/od/chanukah/a/hanukahanerot.htm Hanerot Hallalu (These Candles)]
 
−
* [http://judaism.about.com/od/chanukah/a/hanukamaoztzur.htm Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages)]
 
−
* [http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article.asp?AID=332451 Hanukkah Songs]
 
−
* [http://liturgy.exc.com/Songsheets/Hanukah.cgi Hanukkah songsheets]
 
−
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20000309135112/impactmedia.com/stories/carols.html Hanukah Songs]
 
−
* [http://www.hebrewsongs.com/chanukah.htm Hanukkah Songs]
 
−
 
 
−
=== Recipes ===
 
−
* [http://kosherfood.about.com/od/hanukkah/Hanukkah_Recipes_Kosher_Jewish_Holiday_Food.htm About Kosher Food: Hanukkah Recipes]
 
−
* [http://www.wiki-recipe.org/index.php?title=Category:Hanukkah Wiki-Recipe.org Hanukkah recipes]
 
−
* [http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article.asp?AID=102819 Chanukah recipes - chabad.org]
 
  
−
=== Video ===
+
[[Category:History]]
−
* {{imdb title|id=0956184|title=The Maccabees}} Animated interactive DVD retelling of the story of Hanukkah
+
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
−
* [http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article.asp?AID=332450 Hanukkah videos]
+
[[Category:Holiday]]
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3174713748168758247&q=satmar The Grand Rabbi of Satmar lighting the Hanukkah Menorah]
 
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5575698843335939574&q=hannukkah The Grand Rabbi of Bobov lighting the Hanukkah Menorah]
 
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6632688275970858151&q=hanukkah The Grand Rabbi of Bobov leading his Hassidim in the singing of a Hanukkah hymn composed by his father after the Holocaust]
 
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3703256978822489433&q=hanukah The Grand Rabbi of Klausenberg from America lighting the Hannukkah Menorah]
 
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6750102222090781896&q=hannukah The Grand Rabbi of Pittsburgh from Ashdod, E. Israel, leading his followers in the celebration of Hannukkah]
 
−
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4852503510504559495&q=hanukah The Grand Rabbi of Nadvorna from Safed, E. Israel, leading his followers in the celebration of Hannukah]
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>{{Jewish and Israeli holidays}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Category:History and biography]]
 
−
[[Credit:Philosophy and religion]]
 
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{{Credit|110250080}}
 

Latest revision as of 19:38, 29 January 2022


Hanukkah
Hanukkah
A simple modern menorah.
Official name Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה or חנוכה
English translation: "Renewal/Rededication" (of the Temple in Jerusalem)
Also called Festival of Lights, Festival of Dedication
Observed by Jews in Judaism
Type Jewish
Significance One of two rabbinically ordained festivals. The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Temple in Jerusalem was purified, and the wicks of the Menorah miraculously burned for eight days with oil enough for only one day.
Begins 25 Kislev
Ends 2 Tevet or 3 Tevet
Celebrations Lighting candles each night of the festival in a special Hanukkah menorah in a visible location. Playing the dreidel (sevivon) game, eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and (jelly doughnuts).
Related to Purim, as a rabbinically decreed holiday.

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חנוכה), the Jewish Festival of Rededication (also known as the Festival of Lights) is an eight-day Jewish holiday marking the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Macabeean revolt of the second century B.C.E. It begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev, which can occur in late November, or throughout December, occasionally continuing into the first week of January. The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second, and so on.

In Hebrew, the word Hanukkah is written חנֻכה or חנוכה. It is most commonly transliterated to English as Chanukah or Hanukkah, the latter because the sound represented by "CH" (as in "loch") does not exist in the modern English language.

The holiday is a joyous one, celebrated with various traditions of food, games, special prayers, and gift-giving. Although not one of the most sacred Jewish holidays, it has grown in importance in recent centuries, especially in secular Jewish homes, where it has become a Jewish alternative to the Christian celebration of Christmas.

In addition to honoring the rededication of the Temple, Hanukkah also commemorates the "miracle of the oil," in which enough holy oil for one day lasted for eight days. Spiritually, it celebrates the triumph of Judaism's spiritual values as embodied in its Torah, symbolized by the light of the Menorah, as well as the victory of the Jews over the armies of the tyrant Antiochus IV.

The story

Coin depicting the image of Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Around 200 B.C.E. Jews lived as a semi-autonomous people in the land of Israel, referred to at the time as Judea, which was controlled by the Seleucid Greek king of Syria, whose administrative area emerged after the death of Alexander the Great. The Jewish people paid taxes to their Greco-Syrian overlords and accepted the Seleucids' legal authority. However, they were generally free to follow their own faith, maintain their own jobs, and engage in trade.

By 175 B.C.E. Antiochus IV Epiphanes ascended to the Seleucid throne. Known in both Jewish and Greek sources as an arrogant and vainglorious ruler, Antiochus soon became the bane of the Jews. After his choice for the high priesthood in Jerusalem, Menelaus, was forced to abdicate the office, Antiochus came to Jerusalem and plundered the Temple. Certain Jews rebelled violently at this, and Antiochus retaliated with utter ruthlessness.

In 168 B.C.E., his officer, Apollonius, captured Jerusalem and massacred many men, women, and children among the Jews. A royal decree was issued proclaiming the abolition of Jewish worship. Sabbaths and festivals were outlawed; circumcision was banned; sacred scriptures were to be surrendered, and Jews were compelled to offer sacrifices to idols. The possession of a sacred book or the performance of the rite of circumcision was reportedly punished with death. [1]

The revolt of Mattathias

In 167 B.C.E. Antiochus ordered an altar to Zeus erected in the Temple and commanded the Jews to offer sacrifices to it, an intolerable outrage to pious Jews.[2] Mattathias, a Jewish priest, led a violent rebellion against Antiochus' tyranny. His son Judah became known as Judah Maccabee ("Judah the Hammer"). By 166 B.C.E. Mattathias had died, and Judah took his place as leader. Under his generalship, the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy was successful. Jerusalem was liberated in 165 B.C.E., and the defiled Temple was reclaimed. [3]

Judah then ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the polluted one, and new holy vessels to be made. According to the Talmud, oil was needed for the sacred menorah in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. But there was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight-day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle.

While the part of the story concerning the oil is disputed, it is the traditionally accepted view. The apocryphal books known as 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees record other versions of the origin of the eight days of Hanukkah. Neither of them mentions the miracle of the oil. 1 Maccabees reads that, "For eight days they celebrated the rededication of the altar. Then Judah and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the rededication… should be observed… every year… for eight days. (1 Mac.4:56-59)" 2 Maccabees says simply: "The Jews celebrated joyfully for eight days, as on the feast of Booths (Sukkot)."

Historical sources

In the Talmud

The miracle of Hanukkah is described in the Talmud. The Gemara, in tractate Shabbat 21b, [4] says that after the occupiers had been driven from the Temple, the Maccabees discovered that almost all of the ritual olive oil had been profaned. They found only a single container that was still sealed by the High Priest, with enough oil to keep the Menorah in the Temple lit for a single day. They used this, and miraculously, that oil burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready).

The Talmud presents three customs in lighting the Menorah:

  1. Lighting one light each night,
  2. One light each night for each member of the household, or,
  3. Changing the number of candles each night.

As is often the case in the Talmud, the rabbis disagreed on the best option, and there was a serious dispute over how the last option was to be performed: either by displaying eight lamps on the first night of the festival, and reduce the number on each successive night; or by beginning with one lamp the first night, increasing the number till the eighth night. The followers of Shammai favored the former custom; the followers of Hillel advocated the latter. Jews today generally follow Hillel's practice rather than Shammai's on this and most other issues.

The Septuagint and other sources

The Books of Maccabees are not part of the Hebrew Bible, but are part of deuterocanonical historical and religious material preserved in the Septuagint, or Greek version of the Hebrew scriptures. Beside the already mentioned stories in 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, an older story is also alluded to in 2 Maccabees 1:18 et seq. Here, the relighting of the altar-fire by Nehemiah after the Jews returned from Babylon was due to a miracle which occurred on the twenty-fifth of Kislev. It appears that this is the origin of the traditional date of the rededication of the altar by Judah Maccabee.

Another source related to Hanukkah is the Megillat Antiokhos. The rabbinical sage Saadia Gaon, who translated this scroll into Arabic in the ninth century C.E., ascribed it to the Maccabees themselves, but this seems unlikely, since internal evidence shows that its authors were aware of the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. Recent scholarship dates it to somewhere between the second and fifth centuries.[5]

Hanukkah is also mentioned in the Christian Bible in the book of Gospel of John 10:22-25. Here, Jesus visits the Temple during Hanukkah, and his fellow Jews ask him "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answers, "I did tell you, but you do not believe."

Hanukkah rituals

A modern "Tiffany" Hanukkah menorah

Hanukkah has relatively simple religious rituals that are performed during the eight nights and days of the holiday. Some aspects are practiced at home by the family, other aspects are communal. There are additions to the regular daily prayer services in the Siddur, the Jewish prayer book. Jewish law does not require one to refrain from activities on Hanukkah that would fit the Jewish definition of "work." [6] Thus people are allowed to go to school and work. Employees are not given the holiday off and children are generally only given two or three days off from school.

Kindling the Hanukkah Lights

The primary ritual, according to Jewish law and custom, is to light a single light each night for eight nights. An extra light called a shamash, meaning guard or servant is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the Talmud (Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story. This differs from Sabbath candles which are meant to be used for illumination.

The Hanukkah lights may be either candles or oil lamps. Electric lights are sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not permitted, such as a hospital room. Most Jewish homes have a special candelabra or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, which holds eight lights plus the additional shamash light. By contrast, the Temple menorah, described in Exodus 25:31, had six branches plus a central shaft, for a total of seven lamps.

Hanukkah lights are not for the "lighting of the house within," but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passers-by should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. Accordingly, lamps are traditionally set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street. However, most Hasidic groups light lamps near an inside doorway, not necessarily in public view. According to this tradition, the lamps are placed on the opposite side from the mezuzah, so that when one passes through the door he is surrounded by the holiness of mitzvoth. It is customary among some Ashkenazim to have a separate menorah for each family member.

Blessings over the candles

Various menorot used for Hanukkah, dating from the twelfth through the nineteenth century, C.E.

Typically three blessings (Brachot, singular Brachah) are recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews recite all three blessings; on all subsequent nights, they recite only the first two. The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit, depending on tradition. On the first night of Hanukkah one light is lit on the right side of the Menorah, on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first and is lit first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night.

The first blessing

Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir (shel) chanukah.

Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights."

The second blessing

Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu, bayamim haheim, (u)baz'man hazeh.

Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in those days, at this season."

The third blessing

Reb Shia Rosenberger, a Satmar Hasid rabbi, lighting Chanukah candles

Recited only on the first night just prior to lighting the candles:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, vehigi-anu laz'man hazeh.

Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."

After kindling the lights - Hanerot Halalu

When the lights are kindled the Hanerot Halalu prayer is subsequently recited: (Ashkenazic version):

Hanneirot hallalu anachnu madlikin 'al hannissim ve'al hanniflaot 'al hatteshu'ot ve'al hammilchamot she'asita laavoteinu bayyamim haheim, (u)bazzeman hazeh 'al yedei kohanekha hakkedoshim. Vekhol-shemonat yemei Hanukkah hanneirot hallalu kodesh heim, ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtammesh baheim ella lir'otam bilvad kedei lehodot ul'halleil leshimcha haggadol 'al nissekha ve'al nifleotekha ve'al yeshu'otekha.

Translation: "We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your holy priests. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make them serve except for to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for your miracles, Your wonders and Your salvations."

Singing of Maoz Tzur

Each night after the lighting of the candles, while remaining within eye shot of the candles, Ashkenazim then usually sing the hymn Maoz Tzur, written in Medieval Ashkenaz (Germany). It lists a number of events of persecution in Jewish history, and praises God for survival despite these tragedies.

Other Customs

Various Hassidic and Sefardic traditions have additional prayers that are recited both before and after lighting the Hanukkah lights. This includes the recitation of many Psalms, most notably Psalms 30, 67, and 91 (many Hassidim recite Psalm 91 seven times after lighting the lamps, as was taught by the Baal Shem Tov), as well as other prayers and hymns, each congregation according to its own custom.

Additions to the daily prayers

Bronze Pal-Bell oil-burning Hanukkah menorah from Israel circa 1948, by Maurice Ascalon.

An addition is made to the "hoda'ah" (thanksgiving) benediction in the Amidah, called Al ha-Nissim ("On the Miracles"). This addition refers to the victory achieved over the Syrians by the Hasmonean Mattathias and his sons. The same prayer is added to the grace after meals. In addition, the Hallel Psalms are sung during each morning service and the Tachanun penitential prayers are omitted. The Torah is read every day in the synagogue, the first day beginning from Numbers 6:22 (According to some customs, Numbers 7:1), and the last day ending with Numbers 8:4.

Since Hanukkah lasts eight days, it includes at least one, and sometimes two, Sabbaths. The weekly Torah portion for the first Sabbath is almost always Miketz, telling of Joseph's dream and his enslavement in Egypt. The Haftarah reading for the first Sabbath Hanukkah is Zechariah 2:14-4:7. When there is a second Sabbath on Hanukkah, the Haftarah reading is from I Kings 7:40-50.

The Hanukkah menorah is also kindled daily in the synagogue, at night with the blessings and in the morning without the blessings. The menorah is not lit on the Sabbath, but rather prior to the beginning of the Sabbath at night and not at all during the day.

Zos Hanukkah

The last day of Hanukkah is known as Zos Hanukkah, from the verse in the Book of Numbers 7:84 "Zos Chanukas Hamizbe'ach"—"This was the dedication of the altar," which is read on this day in the synagogue. According to the teachings of the Kaballah and Hasidism, this day is the final "seal" of the High Holiday season of Yom Kippur, and is considered a time to repent out of love for God. In this spirit, many Hassidic Jews wish each other "Gmar chasimah tovah," "may you be sealed totally for good," a traditional greeting for the Yom Kippur season. It is taught in Hassidic and Kabbalistic literature that this day is particularly auspicious for the fulfillment of prayers.

Traditional Hanukkah foods

Potato latkes draining (left) and frying (right)

Potato pancakes, known as latkes in Yiddish, are traditionally associated with Hanukkah (especially among Ashkenazi families) because there is a custom to eat foods fried or baked in oil. This commemorates the fact that the original miracle of the Hanukkah menorah involved the discovery of the small flask of oil sealed by the Jewish High Priest in the Temple of Jerusalem. Many Sephardic families, as well as Polish Ashkenazim and Israelis, have the custom to eat all kinds of doughnuts (Yiddish: פאנטשקעס pontshkes), (bimuelos, or sufganiyot) which are deep-fried in oil.

Hanukkah games

Dreidel

Dreidel

The dreidel, or sevivon in Hebrew, (a four-sided spinning top) is associated with Hanukkah. It has four sides, each engraved with a different Hebrew letter:

  • נ (Nun)
  • ג (Gimel)
  • ה (Hey)
  • ש (Shin)

These letters are an acronym for the Hebrew words, נס גדול היה שם, Nes Gadol Haya Sham—"A great miracle happened there" (referring to the miracle of the oil that took place in the Temple in Jerusalem).

In the State of Israel, the fourth side of most dreidels instead shows the letter פ (Pe), rendering the acronym, נס גדול היה פה, Nes Gadol Haya Po—"A great miracle happened here" (referring to the fact that the miracle occurred in the land of Israel). This custom was adopted after the capture of East Jerusalem during the Six Day War.

Traditional Jewish commentaries ascribe deep symbolism to the markings on the dreidel. One commentary, for example, connects the four letters with the four exiles to which the nation of Israel was historically subject—Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome.

The dreidel is the centerpiece of a game which is often played after the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, to keep the children interested during the short time the candles are burning. Each player starts out with 10 or 15 coins, nuts or other markers, and places one marker into the "pot." The first player spins the dreidel, which lands with one of its symbols facing up, indicating the appropriate action to be taken, corresponding to one of the following Yiddish words:

  • Nun - nisht - "not" - nothing happens and the next player spins
  • Gimel - gants - "all" - the player takes the entire pot
  • Hey - halb - "half" - the player takes half of the pot, rounding up if there is an odd number
  • Shin - shtel ayn - "put in" - the player puts one marker in the pot

The game may last until one person has won everything.

The dreidel game is played in part to commemorate a game that the Jews under Greek domination played to camouflage their Torah study. Though the Greeks made a law forbidding the study of Torah, the Jews would gather in caves to engage in learning. A lookout was posted to alert the group to the presence of Greek soldiers; if he spotted them, he would give a signal and the Jews would hide their scrolls and begin playing with spinning tops (dreidels) and coins. This ruse gave the impression that they were engaged in gambling, not learning.

Hanukkah gelt

Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In Israel, Hanukkah gelt is known as dmei Hanukkah. Many Hassidic Rebbes distribute coins to those who visit them during Hanukkah. Hassidic Jews consider this to be an auspicious blessing from the Rebbe, and a segulah for success.

Twentieth-century American chocolatiers picked up on the gift/coin concept by creating chocolate gelt, or sweetened chocolate shaped and stamped like coins and wrapped in gold or silver foil. Chocolate gelt is often used in place of money in dreidel games.

Interaction with other traditions

Hanukkah gained increased importance with many Jewish families in the twentieth century, including large numbers of secular Jews who wanted a Jewish alternative to the Christmas celebrations that often overlap with Hanukkah.

In recent years, an amalgam of Christmas and Hanukkah has emerged — dubbed "Chrismukkah" — celebrated by some mixed-faith families, particularly in the United States. A decorated tree has come to be called a "Hanukkah bush." Though it was traditional to give "gelt" or money coins to children during Hanukkah, in many families this has changed into gifts in order to prevent Jewish children from feeling left out of the Christmas gift giving.

These secular traditions are not a traditional part of the Hanukkah observance, and are often frowned upon by more observant and traditional-minded Jews.

Background

Chronology

Ancient Hanukkah lamp unearthed near Jerusalem, c. 1900.
  • 198 B.C.E.: Armies of the Selucid King Antiochus III (Antiochus the Great) oust Ptolemy V from Judea and Samaria.
  • 175 B.C.E.: Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) ascends the Seleucid throne.
  • 168 B.C.E.: Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the Temple is looted, Jews are massacred, and Judaism is outlawed.
  • 167 B.C.E.: Antiochus orders an altar to Zeus erected in the Temple. Mattathias, and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah lead a rebellion against Antiochus. Judah becomes known as Judah Maccabe (Judah The Hammer).
  • 166 B.C.E.: Mattathias dies, and Judah takes his place as leader. The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom begins; It lasts until 63 B.C.E.
  • 165 B.C.E.: The Jewish revolt against the Seleucid monarchy is successful. The Temple is liberated and rededicated (Hanukkah).
  • 142 B.C.E.: Establishment of the Second Jewish Commonwealth. The Seleucids recognize Jewish autonomy. The Seleucid kings have a formal overlordship, which the Hasmoneans acknowledged. This inaugurates a period of great geographical expansion, population growth, and religious, cultural and social development.
  • 139 B.C.E.: The Roman Senate recognizes Jewish autonomy.
  • 131 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII besieges Jerusalem, but withdraws.
  • 130 B.C.E.: Antiochus VII dies. The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom throws off Syrian rule completely
  • 96 B.C.E.: An eight year civil war begins.
  • 83 B.C.E.: Consolidation of the Kingdom in territory east of the Jordan River.
  • 63 B.C.E.: The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom comes to an end due to rivalry between the brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II, both of whom appeal to the Roman Republic to intervene and settle the power struggle on their behalf. The Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great) is dispatched to the area. Twelve thousand Jews are massacred as Romans enter Jerusalem. The Priests of the Temple are struck down at the Altar. Rome annexes Judea.

When Hanukkah occurs

The dates of Hanukkah are determined by the Hebrew Calendar. Hanukkah begins at the twenty-fifth day of Kislev and concludes on the second or third day of Tevet (Kislev can have 29 or 30 days). The Jewish day begins at sunset, whereas the Gregorian Calendar begins the day at midnight. So, the first day of Hanukkah actually begins at sunset of the day immediately before the date noted on Gregorian calendars.

Hanukkah's dates in the Gregorian calendar

Hanukkah begins at sundown on the evening before the date shown.

  • December 5, 2007
  • December 22, 2008
  • December 12, 2009
  • December 2, 2010
  • December 21, 2011
  • December 9, 2012
  • November 28, 2013
  • December 17, 2014
  • December 7, 2015
  • December 25, 2016
  • December 13, 2017
  • December 3, 2018
  • December 23, 2019

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Antiochus IV. www.jewishencyclopedia.com. Retrieved August 1, 2007.
  2. ↑ Many scholars believe this to be the "abomination of desolation" referred to in Daniel 11: 31 and 12:11
  3. ↑ 1 Macc. iv. 59.Retrieved December 13, 2007.
  4. ↑ The Babylonian Talmud, tractate Shabbat 21b. The discussion focuses on Shabbat candles and moves to Hanukkah candles. Retrieved December 13, 2007.
  5. ↑ Benjamin Zvieli. "The Scroll of Antiochus" [1] accessdate 2007-01-28.
  6. ↑ Shulkhan Arukh Orach Chayim 670:1

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Carlon, David D. Macabee. Parker, CO: Outskirts Press, 2007. ISBN 9781432701659
  • Healy, Mark and Hook, Richard. Warriors of the Old Testament: Joshua, King David, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas Maccabeus. Firebird Books, Penguin imprint, 1990. ISBN 9781853141027
  • Wolfe, Robert. The Origins of the Messianic Ideal. J-Rep, 2003. ISBN 9780964246539
  • Wolfson, Ron and Grishaver, Joel Lurie. Hanukkah, 2nd Edition: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration, 2nd edition, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing; 2001. ISBN 9781580231220

External links

All links retrieved July 27, 2017.

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