A Festival of Lights
Celebrating Tradition
This menorah, used to celebrate a tradition in the Jewish faith, is ready to mark each of the the eight-days of Chanukah from Thursday, December 8 to Friday, December 18, 2020.
Hannukah, or Chanukah, or however you want to spell it is a traditional part of the Jewish religion. This year it falls on Thursday, Dec. 10 and ends Friday, Dec. 18.
There is cooking traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (round jelly doughnuts), also.
— Iris Higier
Although it is not the holiest of the Jewish holidays, it has become mainstream in most parts of America.
There are so many things to do during Hannukah, including playing a traditional game called spin the dreidel and winning chocolate coins. There is cooking traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (round jelly doughnuts), also. Most foods served during Hannukah are fried in oil to symbolize the eight nights of burning oil in the traditional religious story.
Lighting the menorah is also a tradition. A candle is added to the menorah every night of Hannukah. It does not matter the color or type of candle, but most people buy specific Hanukkah candles because the fit perfectly in the menorah.
On both sides of the menorah, there are four candle holders. In the center, there is the tallest candle holder. This center candle holder is called the shamash and that candle lights all the other candles.
Hannukah is celebrated because of an old historical event that took place in Jerusalem.
In 168 BCE during the time of the Seleucid Greek empire, practicing Judaism was outlawed and the Jewish Temple in the city was defiled. A small army of Jews called the Maccabees regained control over the Temple and a miracle occurred. There was seemingly only enough oil to keep the Temple’s menorah burning for one day. However, the flame stayed for eight days until a new supply of oil was found, hence the eight-day celebration.
In my family we cook traditional foods such as latkes, play spin the dreidel together, light the menorah, give gifts for each night, and pray by the menorah. We also listen to traditional blessings and a few upbeat songs like Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song.”
NOTE: this has been updated and corrected at 6:40 PM 12/11.
Iris Higier joined the Green Wave Gazette her freshman year because she was interested in journalism. She is part of the Class of 2023 and hopes to be...
Natalie Delmar • Jan 4, 2021 at 12:14 PM
What a fantastic article. Great job, Iris! It was very interesting to learn about the traditions that you and your family observe during the holiday. We celebrate Hanukkah in a very similar way.
Lauren Peruzzi • Dec 21, 2020 at 9:07 AM
Great article Iris, it is nice learning about these traditions from students. I hope your Chanukah was fantastic!
Elise Goodman • Dec 11, 2020 at 8:43 PM
Iris, I enjoyed reading your article. It is important for all of us to be open to learning about other religions and cultures. As a Jew, I was pleased to see your well written, informative article describing Hanukkah to your readers.
Have a wonderful holiday!