Hanukkah

Hanukkah comes from a Hebrew word meaning “dedication.” This holiday is celebrated for eight nights and days. Because the timing is determined by the lunar calendar, it may fall any time from late November to late December. Like all Jewish holidays, Hanukkah begins and ends at sunset.

Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah either at home or at synagogues. The most important of all Hanukkah traditions is the lighting of the Hanukkah lamp (hanukkiah) or menorah. Each menorah holds eight candles plus a helper candle (shamash) that is used to light the others. Special blessings are chanted while lighting the candles. It’s customary to place the menorah in a prominent window so that passersby can see it. Other traditions associated with Hanukkah include festive meals, songs, games, and small gifts to children, including gelt: chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Click HERE to view the resources developed by The Diversity Movement.