Hanukkah

Hanukkah History

Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The observance celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days instead of the expected one day, which allowed the temple's menorah to be relit. This event, which occurred during the second century BCE, has evolved into a widely observed occasion featuring a variety of customs and traditions that symbolize the festival's themes of religious freedom, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The history of Hanukkah can be traced back to the Maccabean Revolt, when a small group of Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, defeated the powerful Seleucid Empire. After the temple was purified and rededicated, the oil miracle occurred- it burned for eight instead of one day, creating a lasting symbol of perseverance and faith. Today, the European Union is home to a diverse Jewish population that continues to embrace and celebrate this festival. For EU citizens, the observance of Hanukkah is an opportunity to learn about and reflect on their shared heritage, values, and the importance of cultural preservation.

In the European Union, Hanukkah is commonly observed by lighting the menorah (also known as a hanukkiah), a nine-branched candelabrum, with one additional candle lit each night. Traditional foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are prepared and enjoyed in communal settings or with family. Additionally, children often play the game of dreidel, a spinning top featuring Hebrew letters. Hanukkah occurs in the Jewish month of Kislev, corresponding to late November or December in the Gregorian calendar. As the festival's dates can vary across cultures and locations, it is essential to consult community leaders or online resources to determine the specific dates for observing Hanukkah in the European Union.

Hanukkah facts

• It is customary to eat fried foods on Chanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Among Ashkenazic Jews, this usually includes latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) and doughnuts.
• A popular game during Hanukkah is dreidel. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with one Hebrew letter inscribed on each face/side. These letters are Nun (like N), Gimel (like G), Hei (Like H) and Shin (like Sh). These letters stand for the Hebrew phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, a great miracle happened there, referring to the miracle of the oil.
• In Greece, Hanukkah remembers the salvation of the Jews from the Nazis during World War II. The Greek island of Zakynthos is particularly well-known for its Jews' rescue, as the island's mayor and bishop refused to provide a list of the Jewish community members to the Nazis, thus protecting the entire community.
• In Italy, the tradition of eating fried foods during Hanukkah dates back to the Middle Ages. Various fried treats like fritelle di Chanukah or frittelle di riso (rice fritters) are very popular in Italian Jewish communities during the holiday.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Hanukkah

Top things to do in the EU for Hanukkah

• Play a dreidel game, which consists of spinning a special four-sided block with Hebrew letters. Once you're out of game pieces, you can either get a loan or you're out until one person collects all of the game pieces.
• Make latkes and donuts at home. Many recipes can be found online.
• Offer your support to local Jewish communities by volunteering or participating in their Hanukkah-related activities. There might be opportunities to help with charity initiatives, food drives, or cultural events.
• Take this opportunity to learn more about Jewish history, traditions, and culture. Visit Jewish museums, exhibitions, or cultural centers, which often provide insights into the Jewish heritage.