Hannukah is the Jewish festival of light, the word Hannukah means 'dedication' and can also be spelt 'Chanukah'.This year Hanukah 2018 runs from Dec. 2-10
Hannukah is traditionally celebrated by making food including latkes, (deep fried potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts. Foods heavy in oil are significant to Hanukah as Olive Oil is very predominant feature in the festival. Hannukah is traditionally observed with nightly Menorah lighting both in family homes and in synagogues.
The Menorah is a special candle holder which holds nine candles, one of which is the 'Shamash'. The Shamash is used to light the other eight candles. On the first night, one candle is lit , then another one is lit nightly for the following seven nights, on the eighth night all eight candles are lit counting down the eight days of Hanukah.
As the Menorah is being lit special blessings are recited and traditional songs are sung afterward.
Here in the classroom we have our own Menorah as can be seen pictured below, we are changing the colour of the candles from gold to silver to count down the days of Hanukah.
The word 'dedication' is used to describe Hannukah following the historical event; in the second century BCE, Holy land was occupied by Syrian-Greeks, who wanted the people of Israel to adopt Greek beliefs , culture and practises as opposed to traditional Mitzvah observance. A small group of Jewish people led by Judah the Maccabee managed to overcome this opression and reclaim the Holy Temple in Israel for Mitzvah observance. When the Jewish people lit the candles in the Menorah only a small amount of Olive Oil was available to light one candle, however the oil lasted for 8 days and the 'Shamash' was used to light the following candles; as a result Hanukah is now celebrated for eight days.
Below is a card which has been made for the classroom wishing us a Happy Hanukah.
Happy Hanukah to all.