Everything you wanted to know about Hanuka and were afraid to ask!

What is Hanukkah and why is it celebrated?

Hanukkah is an eight day festival that commemorates the re dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, in the second century B.C. According to legend Jews rose against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Each night a candle of a candelabra or menorah is lit.

What happens each day of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is celebrated each night with the lighting of an additional candle, the saying of blessings and the singing of special songs. After which friends and family gather to eat special foods. Games are also played around a dreidel.

What Gifts are given?

Traditionally money or Hanukkah gelt was given to children, today more general gifts are given. The emphasis is on the children, with fun gifts for children. It is a fun festival and not a very solemn one. Traditionally money is given to charity

Why are Gifts Given?

Originally teachers were given money gifts on Hanukkah, as the origin or root of the work Hanukkah and the word education - Hinuch is the same. In later years, parents wanted children to associate joy and happiness with the festival. Barbara Shaw has  great range of original gifts that usually have a fun educational element in them.

What do people eat on Hanukkah

Traditionally people eat special dishes including a potato pancake called a latke, and doughnuts. Today the Latkes can be made of zucchini or a variety of vegetables. In Israel jelly Doughnuts start getting sold immediately after Succot. And cake shops compete in the variety of doughnut toppings. Chocolate coins are often given and eaten

What are 4 traditions of Hanukkah

Children in kindergarten make crowns with a candle,

Hanukkah is a party time

In Israel, among the ultra orthodox there is a tradition of using oil instead of candles

Again in Israel some people place the Menorah with oil outside their gate or door. As a sign there is no need to hide our traditions any longer.

What is the main symbol of Hanuka

Probably the Candelabra or menorah. One of the prayers states that the lights are holy and you may not make use of them.

Is Hanukkah the same as Xmas?

No, there is no connection between the two.

Hanukkah is celebrated on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev. Jew go by a lunar calendar, so the 25th of Kislev corresponds to a different date in the regular calendar each year. It happens that the two festivals fall towards the end of the year. But there is no connection. In America Hanukkah seems to be celebrated in a more commercial way, perhaps some people think its competing with Christmas. In Israel it is a fun lovely but minor festival.

Can Jews celebrate Xmas?

Traditional Jews do not celebrate Xmas. Naturally everyone does what they see as fit to do. None of my Jewish friends celebrate Xmas even if they are not very religious.

Should Christians celebrate Xmas or Hanukkah?

To me it makes sense that Christian celebrate Xmas and Jews celebrate Hanukkah. I understand that in some schools around the world as part of multiculturalism all religion’s customs are explained and explored and sometimes celebrated.

Does Hanukkah celebrate Jesus’s birth?

No, as we mentioned earlier, Hanukkah celebrates the re dedication of the second temple. While Xmas celebrates the birth of Jesus.

Do Christmas Trees represent Hanukkah?

No, one has nothing to do with the other

Do you say "Happy Hanukkah" as a greeting?

Yes! There are several greetings. Chag Sameach, - happy holiday,

Chag Urim Sameach - Happy festival of lights

I've been invited to a Hanukkah party, I'm not Jewish, what should I bring ?

I hostess gift from Barbara Shaw Gifts  will always be well received, or kosher wine or chocolates.

 Happy Hanukkah!!