The Surprising Origins of Hanukkah (and Why It Moves Around Every Year)
Meanwhile, many people are familiar with the Festival of Lights, but do you know its surprising origins?
A Brief History of Hanukkah
However, the story of Hanukkah begins in the 2nd century BCE, when Greek leaders prevented Jews from practicing their religion, leading the Maccabees to rise up in defiance.
Consequently, the Maccabees successfully re-dedicated the Second Temple, and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight nights became a significant part of the holiday’s tradition.
The Americanization of Hanukkah
Moreover, in the mid-to-late 1800s, two Cincinnati rabbis, Isaac M. Wise and Max Lilienthal, popularized and Americanized the holiday, introducing celebrations of Hanukkah to their congregations and promoting it in national Jewish publications.
Therefore, they borrowed the gift-giving and lighthearted nature of Christmas celebrations and put a Jewish spin on them, creating the modern Hanukkah we know today.
The Traditions of Hanukkah
In addition, the main event of Hanukkah is the lighting of candles before dinner, one more for each successive night of the festival.
However, most people don’t light menorahs on Hanukkah; instead, they use a “hanukkiah,” which holds nine candles: eight main candles and the helper candle that lights them all.
The Foods of Hanukkah
Meanwhile, food plays a significant role in Hanukkah celebrations, with fried foods like latkes and jelly doughnuts being popular choices.
Consequently, the holiday is a time for families to come together and enjoy traditional foods and activities.
The Gift-Giving Tradition
However, many Hanukkah-heads give gifts too—one for each night, a tradition that has become a beloved part of the holiday.
Therefore, Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song” has become a modern classic, and a staple of Hanukkah celebrations.
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