Unpacking Hanukkah: Eight Nights of Light and Celebration

 Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration filled with history, meaning, and delicious food. It’s a holiday rich in tradition, symbolism, and—let’s be honest—a fair share of fried treats. Let’s dive into the details and answer some burning (or rather, flickering) questions about this beloved holiday.

 

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How Many Days Is Hanukkah Celebrated For?

Hanukkah lasts for eight days, and no, that’s not because people wanted an extended vacation. The eight days commemorate a historical miracle—one that we'll unravel in a moment. During Hanukkah, Jewish families light candles on a menorah (or a Hanukkiah, to be specific) each night, adding one candle per evening until all eight (plus the helper candle, the shamash) are lit. It’s like a slow burn of festive glow, building anticipation and joy with each passing night.

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What Does Hanukkah Commemorate?

At its core, Hanukkah celebrates the victory of light over darkness and faith over oppression. The holiday marks the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees after their successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire around 165 BCE. When the Maccabees reclaimed the temple, they found only enough sacred oil to keep the menorah’s flame burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days—long enough for more oil to be prepared.

That small, unexpected miracle is why Jewish people today light candles, celebrating resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of faith.

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What Do You Eat on Hanukkah?

Hanukkah food is where history meets mouthwatering indulgence. The holiday’s culinary tradition centers around fried foods, symbolizing the miraculous oil that lasted for eight days. Here are some popular choices:

• Latkes: These crispy potato pancakes, often served with applesauce or sour cream, are a Hanukkah staple. They're like hash browns, but with a dash of history.

• Sufganiyot: These jelly-filled doughnuts are fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Who needs cupcakes when you have these sweet delights?

• Brisket and Kugel: While not fried, these hearty dishes often grace Hanukkah tables, making the meal as satisfying as it is celebratory.

Pro tip: Don’t count calories during Hanukkah—it’s a mitzvah to enjoy the feast (or so we’d like to think).

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What Is the Origin of Hanukkah?

The word “Hanukkah” means “dedication” in Hebrew, reflecting the rededication of the Second Temple after the Maccabees’ victory. The holiday’s roots lie in the tumultuous history of the Jewish people resisting assimilation and oppression under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who forbade Jewish religious practices. The Maccabean Revolt was a triumph of religious freedom, and the holiday celebrates the perseverance and miracles that followed.

Hanukkah isn’t mentioned in the Torah, as the events occurred after its canonization. Instead, the story is chronicled in historical texts like the Books of the Maccabees and later traditions in the Talmud.

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When Was the Last Time Hanukkah Started on Christmas?

The start of Hanukkah shifts each year because it follows the Hebrew lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. However, it occasionally aligns with Christmas, creating a rare “Chrismukkah” overlap. The most recent time this happened was in 2016, when the first night of Hanukkah fell on December 24th, lighting up the holiday season with an extra dose of festivity. The next overlap? It’s a bit of a wait—but the calendars will sync again eventually.

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Conclusion: A Celebration That Shines Bright

Hanukkah is a joyful reminder of miracles, resilience, and the power of light. Whether you’re marveling at the story of the oil, enjoying your second (or fifth) latke, or admiring the candles’ glow, the holiday is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate. So, if you ever get the chance to partake in a Hanukkah gathering, don’t hesitate—just make sure you show up hungry and ready to be part of the light.