Help strengthen alternative media by visiting our supporters
Many Jewish communities in the United States observe the first day of Hanukkah, which marks the start of Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people’s struggle for religious freedom.
This is not a public holiday in the United States. Most businesses, schools, and offices are open and follow regular hours, but Jewish-run businesses and organizations might be closed.
Jewish communities in the United States celebrate the first day of Hanukkah on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. The Hanukkah period lasts for eight days and is celebrated from the 25th day of Kislev to the second day of Tevet. The first night of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) starts with special blessings at sunset the day before the 25th of Kislev. Many Jewish people light the menorah, also known as the hanukiah (or chanukkiyah), which is a type of candelabrum.
Many Americans of Jewish faith also eat food fried in olive oil, such as potato cakes, and different fried breads. Hanukkah dishes include sufganiot (Hanukkah donuts), potato latkes (pancakes), mandelbrot (this can be sliced like a hard bread), and rugelach (pastry that with different fillings). The first day of Hanukkah is the start of a celebratory period in which a four-sided toy called dreidel is used for games. The first night of Hanukkah is also a night when people sing traditional songs to celebrate Hanukkah. Gift-giving is also popular at this time of the year.
The first day of Hanukkah is not a federal public holiday in the United States. Some Jewish schools have their school vacation fall around the same time of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish people’s successful rebellion against the Greeks in the Maccabean War in 162 BCE. A ritual cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple occurred after the Jewish people’s victory. It is believed that there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day but the small bottle of oil miraculously lasted for eight days. Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is referred as the Feast of Lights or Festival of Lights for this reason.
Moreover, the survival of Judaism over the many years is also celebrated during this period. The last day of Hanukkah, which marks the end of Hanukkah, falls on the eighth day of this period.
In the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which lasts only one day worldwide, and Rosh Hashana, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora.
This custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon.
The beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
Copyright © 2015-2024 | Redoubt News LLC
Thank you for publishing this piece on Hanukkah!
As a “Messianic” (we follow the Biblical Holydays and the Biblical Sabbath), but we also believe in Jesus, the Disciples and the New Testament, this holiday is so very pertinent for mankind, but especially for those of us in the Redoubt.
After Antiochus Epiphanes had invaded Israel, he outlawed all Jewish Holydays, Sabbaths, and practices. Jews who decided to celebrate the Sabbath, and to circumcise their sons, were killed either by throwing the family off of the city walls, or after killing the infant son in front of the parents, the husband would then be killed and the dead infant would be tied to the mother’s chest. The mother was forced to wear her the rotting carcass of her baby, until she finally succumbed to overwhelming sepsis.
Today we see the mockery of the Bible, of Christianity, of Jesus, and of Biblical morality.
Every generation must FIGHT for freedom, both civil freedom and freedom of religion.
ALL believers in Our Lord are under attack, and we must never be complacent.
Just as a tiny remnant fought the mighty Greek army, so we must continue to fight for our beliefs and freedoms!
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to everyone!