How is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah named?
What Is Hanukkah? Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (as you’ll read below).
What’s the difference between a menorah and a Hanukkiyah?
The hanukkiyah, pronounced ha-noo-kee-yah, is also known as a Hanukkah menorah. A hanukkiyah is a candelabrum with eight candleholders in a row and a ninth candleholder set a slightly higher than the others. It’s different from a menorah, which has seven branches and was used in the Temple before it was destroyed in 70 C.E.
Who was the king that outlawed Hanukkah?
Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power. In 168 BCE, the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and defiled the Jewish Temple in the city by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios and sacrificing pigs.
Where are the candles on the Hanukkah menorah?
It is lit first, then used to light the other candles, and finally, it is returned to the ninth candle spot, which is set apart from the others. It is customary to light the candles on the hanukkiyah from left to right, with the newest candle being in the leftmost spot.
When is the first day of Hanukkah 2019?
Most families also serve special holiday foods, sing songs, play games, and give gifts including Hanukah gelt (chocolate coins). In 2019, Hanukkah will be celebrated Sunday, December 22 through Monday, December 30. The Hanukkah story is based on historical events that took place in 165 BCE in Jerusalem.
What do you need to know about Chanukah?
Info you need about Chanukah. Photo credits: Flash90. Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (as you’ll read below).
When is the lighting of the menorah in Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, called a menorah (or hanukkiah).