Hanukkah begins today: history and traditions of Jewish Festival of Lights
Today, December 14, begins Hanukkah, the traditional Jewish Festival of Lights, which will last until December 22. It is one of the most famous holidays in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to a historical event, as well as a symbol of hope, joy and the victory of light over darkness.
Hanukkah commemorates the events of the 2nd century BC, when the Jewish Maccabees warriors liberated Jerusalem and rededicated the Second Temple after defeating the Seleucid invaders. According to legend, the oil that survived in the temple, which was supposed to last only one day, burned in a lamp (menorah) for eight nights in a row, which became a miracle and the basis of the holiday.
Therefore, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and each evening families light a new candle on the hanukkiah, a special nine-candlestick (from left to right).
Candles lit shortly before sunset should burn for at least 30 minutes after dark. The lamp is placed opposite the mezuzah, at the entrance to the room where all family members usually gather. The light of Hanukkah candles cannot be used for work, reading, etc.
During Hanukkah, it is customary to give children some money, "Hanukkah gelt", to teach them to tzedakah - collecting money for the poor. Children can spend part of this money on sweets.
Often, traditional dishes prepared with oil are served at the holiday table, such as latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (donuts), which also remind us of the importance of oil in the history of the holiday.