Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and traditional foods.

History

The story of Hanukkah dates back to the 2nd century BCE, when the Jewish people rebelled against their Greek-Syrian oppressors. After reclaiming the Temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, but miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days.

Celebrations

During Hanukkah, families light the menorah, adding one candle each night until all eight candles are lit. Traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) are enjoyed, and games such as dreidel are played. Hanukkah gifts are also exchanged, and special prayers are recited.

Study Guide

1. What is the significance of Hanukkah?
   a) It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple
   b) It celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks
   c) It marks the miracle of the oil lasting eight days
   d) All of the above
2. How many days does Hanukkah last?
   a) 7 days
   b) 8 days
   c) 10 days
   d) 12 days
3. What is the traditional food eaten during Hanukkah?
   a) Matzah
   b) Latkes
   c) Challah
   d) Gefilte fish
4. What is the name of the special candelabrum lit during Hanukkah?
   a) Menorah
   b) Shofar
   c) Torah
   d) Mezuzah

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