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Falls on Jewish Date: 25 Kislev to 2 Tevet (8 days). Note: First candle is lit at sunset prior to day 1
Since the golden
Menorah had been stolen by the Syrians, the Maccabees now made one of cheaper
metal. When they wanted to light it, they found only a small cruse of pure olive
oil bearing the seal of the High Priest Yochanan. It was sufficient to light
only for one day. By a miracle of G-d, it continued to burn for eight days, till
new oil was made available. That miracle proved that G-d had again taken His
people under His protection. In memory of this, our sages appointed eight days
for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles Y During Chanukah, it is desirous to partake of more beautiful meals, to increase one's good deeds, and generally to talk of the ancient miracles. Y All manner of work may be carried out on Chanukah, but people generally refrain from household duties while the Chanukah lights are lit. Dreidel  The dreidel is a spinning top with Hebrew letters "nun", 'gimmel", "heh" and "peh" (or "shin") inscribed on one of four sides respectively. After the lights are lit, family members customarily play with the dreidel, winning or losing counters or nuts, according to the value ascribed to the letters. One reason given for the custom was the ban on any work being performed by the light of the menorah Oily Foods Traditionally, Chanukah is a time when children are encouraged and rewarded for their Torah studies. Consequently, it became fashionable to give the children Chanukah money and presents during the holiday. This is a popular custom today. Reviewed 14-Dec-2006 |
After
victory against the Syrians,
the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem to liberate it. They entered the Temple and
cleared it of the idols placed there by the Syrian vandals. Yehuda and his
followers built a new altar, which he dedicated on the twenty-fifth of the month
of Kislev, in the year 3622.