Hanukkah

By Lauryn McDonnell
 What is
Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight day festival celebrated

by Jews.
It is known as the 'Festival of Lights' and is
celebrated with lighting the menorah, holy
prayers and special foods.
Where did it come from?
The holiday dates back to the second century BC
when the Syrian-Greeks tried to force the Israelites
to accept Greek culture and beliefs.
Against all odds, a small group of Jews defeated
the army and reclaimed the land.
When they searched for the sacred oil to light
their temple, they only found enough oil for one
day. Miraculously, the oil lasted the full eights days.
The Jews decided to commemorate this day and
they instituted the festival of Hanukkah.
The Traditions
One tradition is the lighting of the Menorah. There are
nine candles and the first candle is used to light the rest of
the candles.
Special blessings and prayers are recited and songs are
sung after.
The Menorah is lit and placed in a doorway or window.
Hanukkah Foods
As the oil miraculously lasted for eight
days, cooking food in oil is ritualistic.
Typical foods for Hanukkah include
fried potato pancakes, doughnuts, and
brisket.
Dreidel

Dreidel is a game played on

Hanukkah. It is a a four-sided
spinning top with the words,
' nun, gimmel, hei and shin ' which
stands for ' a great miracle
happened there '
Hanukkah Gelt

It is customary to give
Hanukkah Gelt, giving money, to
children.
Chanukah gelt celebrates the
freedom to put your wealth
towards their spiritual belief.
 Hanukah holds a very
special place in the hearts
of Jews. It is a very
significant, and religious
experience.