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Celebrating Chanukah

© Beth Lewis

In the United States, Chanukah is, by far, the most familiar of the Jewish holidays. But, how much do you really know about it? Due to its proximity to Christmas, many people know its symbols, such as the menorah and the dreidel. Chanukah, (aka Hanukkah, Channukkah, Hannukah, etc.), is a rich and beautiful holiday, with lessons for all people, regardless of how you spell it!

First of all, how do you spell it? Because the English word "Chanukah" simply represents Hebrew letters and sounds, you can spell it many different, and equally correct, ways. In Hebrew, you pronounce the first syllable with a throaty "ch" sound, almost as if you are clearing your throat.

Interestingly, Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday; but, because it falls in December, many people view Chanukah as the Jewish counterpart to Christmas. Chanukah offers many profound lessons, relevant even in modern society. Historically, the holiday stems from military and cultural struggles, in the year 167 B.C. The land of Israel, and its Jewish inhabitants, fell under the strict and stifling rule of the Greeks. King Antiochus Epiphanes forced everyone to worship Greek gods, and he outlawed the practice of Jewish rituals and practices. The Jewish hero, Judah the Maccabee, led his forces against Antiochus, defeating the Greeks and liberating the Jews. Consequently, the Jews rededicated their ancient temple, by lighting a menorah with oil. Although they only possessed enough oil to last one day, the lamp miraculously burned for eight days. Thus, the word "Chanukah" means "rededication," in reference to the ancient temple. When Jews celebrate Chanukah today, we remember this miracle, with awe and gratitude for our courageous ancestors. Chanukah teaches us the value of fighting for your beliefs, and reminds us of the evil of religious and cultural persecution.

The Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, so the exact date of Chanukah varies on the secular calendar. Chanukah always starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. This year, Chanukah begins on the evening of Sunday, December 13th, and, continues for the next eight days.

The menorah lamp used for Chanukah, called a Chanukiyah, is an eight-branched candelabra with a raised ninth candle (called "shamash," or "helper"), used to light the others. The eight-day celebration revolves around lighting the Chanukiyah each night, chanting Hebrew prayers, eating special foods made with oil, playing games, and singing songs. Again, due to Christmas and the majority culture, gift-giving has been introduced to the holiday, in modern times; however, gifts are not a central or important part of the observance of Chanukah. The traditional holiday greeting is "Chag Sameach," meaning "Happy Holiday!"