The Jewish holiday Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important one in the Jewish calendar. The holiday is meant to celebrate and remember the 165 BCE victory of the Jewish people over their occupying forces, the Greek Syrians. For eight days, we commemorate the renewal of the Temple as a holy power due to their triumph over their oppressors.

This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 1 and extends until sundown on December 9. These eight days of tribute represent the eight days that the menorah burned in the newly reinstated Temple after the Jewish triumph. While the oil in this menorah was expected to last a day, it was still burning eight days later, providing many people with light. To represent these eight days, we use a menorah, and light one of the 8 candles every night of Hanukkah. One is lit the first night, and each following evening, the tradition is repeated with an additional lit candle. At the end of the holiday, the entire menorah is filled with light, hence completing the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah Traditions

While it is not considered a religious holiday, Chanukah is festive, fun and filled with many celebratory traditions. This is a time for families and friends to come together for delicious food, songs, and gifts for all to enjoy. Many Hanukkah treats are fried in oil to represent the oil which allowed the candle to burn for eight days. Some Hanukkah favorites are: potato latkes, jelly doughnuts (Sufganiyot) and fried chicken (anything fried will do!)

On each of the 8 nights of Hanukah, the menorah is lit and Hanukkah songs, such as "Dreidel, Dreidel" or "Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah" are sung. Another favorite Hanukkah activity is playing dreidel, a sort of spinning top with Hebrew markings imprinted on each side. Each marking has a different meaning, and an instruction for the player to either give or take from the gelt (chocolate coins) or “gold” pile in the center.

The four different Hebrew characters:

• Nun- Take nor receive any coins
• Gimel- Take all coins
• Hay- Take half of the coins
• Shin- Put one coin into the pile

This game has been played for many years and continues to be an important and fun Hanukkah tradition. Naturally, it is loved by all chocolate lovers!

Hanukkah Gift Giving

In America, Hanukkah has become an important gift-giving occasion. The frequency and size of gifts is determined by “family culture”. For example, during her youth, Sherry Jonas, Challah Connection Customer Service Director received a gift each of the 8 nights—“7 small gifts and 1 large gift. The gift that stands out most is the packet of my favorite cookies that I received that I didn’t have to share with anyone!” In contrast to the every-night frequency is the giving of 8 gifts on one night only (usually the first), which some families prefer. Like most things in Judaism, whatever tradition you choose is ok!

Challah Connection Hanukkah Gifts

Here at the Challah Connection, we specialize in all of your Hanukkah gift needs. Our Chanukah gift baskets  come packed with baked goods, gelt, blue and white cookies, nuts, dried fruit and more. In addition, we can provide you with your material Hanukkah needs, such as beautiful menorahs and candles, gifts for children, and interesting Judaica. Challah Connection has everything you need to make your Festival of Lights the best it can possibly be!