Chanukah

Chanukah, also known as the Festival Of Lights, is an eight day Jewish festival that celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration during the rule of the Seleucid King Antiochus IV in the 2nd century BCE.  It commemorates both a military victory and a spiritual miracle.  


Historical Background


Around 167 BCE King Antiochus IV outlawed Judaism and desecrated the Temple, erecting pagan idols and forbidding Jewish practices.  A group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, rode in revolt.  Despite being outnumbered, they miraculously defeated the Seleucide army and reclaimed the Temple.  


Upon re-dedicating the Temple, they sought to light the menorah (a seven branched candelabrum) but found only a single day's supply of consecrated oil.  Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, giving them enough time to prepare more pure oil.  This is considered the central miracle of Chanukah.  


Spiritual Significance


Chanukah symbolizes themes of faith, dedication, and perseverance in the face of oppression.  The miracle of the oil represents divine intervention and the light of hope in dark times.  It underscored the resilience of Jewish identity and the victory of spiritual over physical power.  


Customs and Traditions


1.  Lighting the Menorah (Chanukiah):


Each night of Chanukah, an additional candle is lit on the Chanukiah (a nine-branched menorah).  The central candle, called the Shamash (helper, or servant), is used to light the others.  By the eighth night, all eight candles are aglow, symbolizing the miracle of the oil and spreading light.  


2.  Reciting Blessings and Prayers:


Special blessings are recited while lighting the candles, followed by the singing of traditional songs like Moaz Tzur (Rock of Ages).


3.  Playing Dreidel:  


The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters (nun, gimel, hei, and shin) representing the phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" ("A great miracle happened there").  In Israel the Shin is replaced with a Peh for "here"


4.  Eating Fried Foods:


Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil.  


5.  Gift Giving:


While not a traditional custom, gift-giving has become popular, especially in families with children, influenced by cultural traditions around other holidays.  


6.  Tzedakah (Charity):


Acts of charity and kindness are encouraged during Chanukah, reflecting its themes of hope and unity.  


Overall


Chanukah is a joyous festival that combines historical remembrance, spiritual reflection, and communal celebration.  It emphasizes bringing light into the world and remembering the miracles of faith and perseverance.  

Chanukah Blessings

During Chanukah, special blessings (brachot) are recited while lighting the Chanukiah (the Chanukah menorah).  These blessings are said before lighting the candles each night.  On the first night of Chanukahm a third blessing, the Shehecheyanu, is also included to thank HaShem for enabling us to reach this joyous occasion.  


Here are the blessings in English transliteration and translation


1.  Blessing for Lighting the Chanukah Candles


This blessing is recited each night before lighting the candles.  


Transliteration :


Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner Chanukah.


Translation:


Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.


2.  Blessing for the Chanukah Miracle


This blessing thanks HaShem for the miracles performed for the Jewish people.


Transliteration:


Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.


Translation:


Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.. 


3.  Shehecheyanu Blessing (First Night Only)


This blessing is recited only on the first night of Chanukah to mark the joy of reaching this moment.  


Transliteration:


Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu lazman hazeh.


Translation:  


Blessed are You L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who had kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.  


Order of Recitation

1.  First Night:  All thress blessings are recited. 

2.  Subsequent Nights:  Only the first two blessings are said.  


After lighting the candles, it is customary to sing Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages) or other traditional Chanukah songs to celebrate the miracle and the occasion.