Jewish Holiday Celebrations: Hanukkah


Figure 1.--Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. Here an American boy in 1963 is lighting the menorah candles. The press caption read, "Festival lights: Using ninth as a lighter, David Mandelbaum, 7, kindles lights as they would appear on eighth day Festival of Lights. Ornate nenorhm made of silver, is fashioned after ancient Temple candellabrum, was made in Poland in 1893."

After Alexander defeated the Persian Empire, Palestine became part of the Helenistic world. This would affect both Judaism and the Christianity that flowed from it. The Seleucid Emperor was accepting of relgious diversity. Seleucid Emperor Antiochus IV for unknown reasons decided to supress Judaism (167 BC). The Maccabees victory saved the Judaism. The Macabees created a new festival to commemorate their victory. . Ironically it can be seen as part of Greek, not traditional Jewish, culture). Rabbis ecentually added the lamp miracle to give God a more important role. Hanukkah (Chanukah, Hanukah, or Hannuka). is known as the Festival of Lights. It is an 8-day Jewish holiday that usually celebrated between late-November and late-December. It is held to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees victory over the Seleucid Empire, often described as the Syrians. The Seleucid Empire was actually a Helenisdtic (Greek) empire centered on modern Syria. Hanukkah also celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jews celebrate with 8 nights of traditional ativities. This celebration has continued with Jews in the Diaspora around the world. Traditions include lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and enjoying foods treats cooked in oil.






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Created: 2:21 AM 4/17/2013
Last updated: 2:22 AM 4/17/2013