This is the story of Hanukkah - and how it could be celebrated in 2020. ", "5 Thoughts On The Furor Over The White House's Hanukkah Party", "From the Archives: Hanukkah at the White House", "Arab–Jewish school's menorah lights up White House Hanukkah party", "A Most Inspiring Hanukkah at the White House", "Why Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Will Never Again Coincide", "Thanksgivukka: Please pass the turkey-stuffed doughnuts", "How To Celebrate Thanksgivukkah, The Best Holiday Of All Time", "Reinventing Hanukkah: The Israeli Politics of the Maccabean Holiday", "The Eight Days of Hanukkah: Eight Actions to Heal the Earth through the Green Menorah Covenant", "How Christmas Transformed Hanukkah in America", "Federal Holidays: Evolution and Current Practices", "Since the 1800s, Hanukkah in the US is a response to Xmas", Erran Baron Cohen Presents: Songs In The Key Of Hanukkah, Day to Mark the Departure and Expulsion of Jews from the Arab Countries and Iran, Annunciation of the Virgin Mary / Annunciation of the Theotokos, Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust, Emancipation Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus, Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nativity of Mary / Nativity of the Theotokos, Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day, Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple, Urus Mubarak of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hanukkah&oldid=1011948476, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia without a Wikisource reference, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2020, Articles containing Yiddish-language text, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Vague or ambiguous time from December 2019, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from December 2020, Articles prone to spam from December 2015, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Pages using Sister project links with default search, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Беларуская (тарашкевіца)‎, Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 25 Kislev, 26 Kislev, 27 Kislev, 28 Kislev, 29 Kislev, 30 Kislev, 1 Tevet, 2 Tevet, 3 Tevet. The, 96 BCE: Beginning of an eight-year civil war between, 85–82 BCE: Consolidation of the Kingdom in territory east of the, 63 BCE: The Hasmonean Jewish Kingdom comes to an end because of a rivalry between the brothers, Sunset, 2 December 2018 – nightfall, 10 December 2018, Sunset, 22 December 2019 – nightfall, 30 December 2019, Sunset, 10 December 2020 – nightfall, 18 December 2020, Sunset, 28 November 2021 – nightfall, 6 December 2021, Sunset, 18 December 2022 – nightfall, 26 December 2022, Sunset, 7 December 2023 – nightfall, 15 December 2023, Sunset, 25 December 2024 – nightfall, 2 January 2025, Sunset, 14 December 2025 – nightfall, 22 December 2025, This page was last edited on 13 March 2021, at 19:16. The Syrians desecrated the Temple, the holiest place for Jews at that time. Here is a short visual depiction of “The Story Of Hanukkah“. Therein the story is told of how Judah Maccabee and his heroic band of freedom fighters overthrew the tyrannical Seleucid forces that had subdued Judea and defiled the Jerusalem Temple. The Story of Hanukkah book, menorah (a special candle holder used in Jewish worship) and dreidels (a special game played at Hanukkah) Hanukkah is the celebration of an ancient miracle. Also called the Festival of Rededication, Hanukkah was added to the Jewish calendar in 164 BCE after the defilement of the Temple by the Syrian Greeks. Timeline: The History of Hanukkah 175 BCE: Antiochus IV ("The Madman") becomes ruler of the Seleucid Empire 168 BCE: Antiochus IV gives orders to loot the Temple and outlaw Judaism 167 BCE: After Antiochus has an altar to Zeus erected in the … So Hanukkah or Chanukkah, doesn’t matter, what does matter is that I am here to tell you the story of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. They sought to restore it from a Greek culture back to a Hebraic mindset. A long, long time ago in the land of Israel, the most special place for the Jewish people was the Temple (synagogue) in Jerusalem. His son, Judah, became the chief strategist and military leader of the resistance. Chanukah? Get to know the story behind the Festival of Lights, from the times of Alexander the Great to the miracle that is the foundation of Hanukkah celebrations today. How to Explain the Hanukkah Story to Kids The History of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Bible. Updated Monday, 14th December 2020, 4:00 pm. In some ways, the transformation of Hanukkah was linked to the growth of North American Jewry within its unique environment. Featured Guest Dr. Alan Shore. Unlike menorahs of today, this … ", "The following is a response from Hakham Ya'aqob Menashe", "40 Years Later: How the Chanukah Menorah Made Its Way to the Public Sphere", "The Obligation of Women Regarding Chanukah Candles", "Maoz Tzur: Translation & Explanation – Jewish Holidays", "Hanukkah ushers in 'tzedakah,' a religious obligation to do what is right and just", "The Fifth Night Project: Teaching Giving During Hanukkah", "Oh Chanukah (Jewish Traditional) sheet music for Trombone", "Belz resumed practice of playing violin at candle lighting", "Why All the Oil and Cheese (and Potatoes)? The historical events upon which the celebration is based are recorded in Maccabees I and II, two books contained within a later collection of writings known as the Apocrypha. Around 332 BCE, Alexander the Great’s Macedonian Empire conquered the Persian Empire. The candles could be celebratory, but may also convey another message: Hanukkah, according to Josephus and Maccabees 1-2, is a story of civil … Hanukkah is one of the most celebrated yet least understood holidays on the Jewish calendar. During the festival, families retell and remember the story of that miracle. Many foods are fried in oil to honor the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights. The Menorah that celebrates the story of Hanukkah. Includes a mini-book with celebrations around the world, a story describing Jewish traditions, foods, and holidays, and an art project making Hanukkah cards. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The elevation of Hanukkah to a major holiday was partly the result of Jews acculturating themselves to a North America that was overwhelmingly Christian in population and symbols. On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev in 168 B.C.E., the Temple was renamed for the Greek god Zeus. It’s also the celebration of an ancient miracle, and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. Appropriate Grades: 3–5. This is the story of Hanukkah - and how it could be celebrated in 2020 Chelsea Rocks 12/14/2020. Themes: The story of Hanukkah; the miracle of the oil; remembering; celebrations. Our story begins thousands of years ago, in the second century BCE or around the year minus 200. I also learned about the “real” story of Purim – there is more beyond the Disney version which includes a violent ending to the Book of Esther, which I never knew about as a child. ) According to the legend, when the Maccabees entered the Temple and began to reclaim it from the Greeks, they immediately relit the ner tamidner tamidנֵר תָּמִיד"Eternal light;" the light that hangs above the ark in every synagogue; symbolizes God's omnipresence in our lives. It originates from the growth of an enormous sect of Hellenists within the Jews, who even supported the Greeks during the war. The Talmud explains the holiday as a commemoration of the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean revolt. Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA). Over two thousand years ago, Antiochus, a cruel ruler of the Greek Kingdom, imposed pagan... Hanukkah Holiday Traditions. The history of Hanukkah dates back to 165 BCE. Today, the holiday reminds Jews to rededicate themselves to keeping alive the flame of Jewish religion, culture, and peoplehood so that it may be passed on to the next generation. Unlike many Jewish holidays, Hanukkah (also known as the Festival of Lights) is not mentioned in the Bible. However, this detail does not appear in any Jewish texts until 600 years later in the Talmud, mentioned in a larger discussion of why Hanukkah observance is so important. Read this article to know more about the story of Hanukkah. Thank you for subscribing to emails from ReformJudaism.org! "Eternal light;" the light that hangs above the ark in every synagogue; symbolizes God's omnipresence in our lives. Have the chutzpah to embrace Yiddish", Romanization of Hebrew § How to transliterate, "The Old Testament in the Orthodox Church", 10.4159/DLCL.josephus-jewish_antiquities.1930, Rivista di Filologia e di Istruzione Classica, "December: Judith and the Hanukkah Story", "Education Ministry Changes Start of School Year – Again", "לוח החופשות והימים המיוחדים לשנת תשע"ח", "How to Light the Menorah – Light Up Your Environment! The events behind the festival of Hanukkah are found in the apocryphal book of 1 Maccabees. Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. Hanukkah or Chanukah is an eight-day festival celebrated by the Jewish people around the world. was common throughout much of the 19th century, North American Jews tended to neglect most of the other traditions and practices associated with the holiday. So here’s the story of Hanukkah, as told in the books that have stirred so many freedom-fighters. In rabbinical school, I learned what you might call the “real” story of Hanukkah. The traditional Hanukkah story is that when the Maccabees arrived to re-consecrate the Temple, it was in such disarray that there was only enough olive oil to keep the sacred seven-branch candelabrum (or menorah) lit for one day. However, in 175 BCE, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the son of Antioch… Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. Only centuries after the Maccabees’ defeat of the Syrians did the story of the jar of oil – which has come to be associated with Hanukkah – appear in the Talmud. Here is a short visual depiction of “The Story Of Hanukkah“. The Story of Hanukkah Hanukkah is not a religious holiday – it is a National Holiday, equivalent to America’s Independence Day. The first night of Hanukkah 2020 is December 10, and this year more than any other is a great opportunity to take extra time to teach your family … Try using them to focus your family dinner discussion as you enjoy the glow of Hanukkah candlelight. (also called a hanukkiyahhanukkiyahחֲנֻכִּיָּהNine-branched candelabra used during Hanukkah – eight branches for each night of the holiday, plus another branch (often taller, central, or more prominently displayed) for the shamash (helper) candle, which is used to light the others. Beyond the fun of candles, latkes, and dreidels lies a complex story of cultural conflict and civil war that forever changed Jewish history. Hanukkah, therefore, is a means for North American Jews to feel a kinship with their neighbors, while simultaneously asserting their Jewish distinctiveness. These books are not part of the canonized Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) used by modern Jews, though they were included in the Greek Septuagint . The Hanukkah story has many themes that can form the core of our holiday celebration. Bill Clinton followed in 1993. Antiochus III was … The land of … The land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a … The law requires only one light each night per household, A better practice is to light one light each night for each member of the household. Starting tomorrow evening, many Jews will celebrate Hanukkah. The story of how Hanukkah came to be is contained in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are not part of the Jewish canon of the Hebrew Bible. That is why Hanukkah is celebrated every year from 12th December to 20th December. In rabbinical school, I learned what you might call the “real” story of Hanukkah. Originally, the eight-day holiday was intended to parallel the eight-day festival of Sukkot. The Story of Hanukkah. President George W. Bush in 2001. Learn more … The Story Of Hanukkah CUFI Coffee Break Lesson 22. Join Rav Mike Feuer for a special FFT Webinar as we take a deeper look at Hanukkah and explore the past in hopes of better understanding the present and future. Other themes of the holiday include the refusal to submit to the religious demands of an empire practicing idolatry, the struggle against total assimilation into Greek culture and loss of Jewish identity, and the fight for Jewish political autonomy and self-determination. The Hanukkah story is retold and traditional dishes, such as potato pancakes called latkes and jelly-filled donuts called sufganiyot, are served. Vekhol-shemonat yemei Hanukkah hanneirot hallalu kodesh heim, ve-ein lanu reshut lehishtammesh baheim ella lir'otam bilvad kedei lehodot ul'halleil leshimcha haggadol 'al nissekha ve'al nifleotekha ve'al yeshu'otekha. The story of Hanukkah celebrates the tale of the Maccabees, who defeated the Greek King Antiochus’ troops after a three year war A boy lights a menorah to celebrate Hanukkah (Photo: Getty) The Complete Story of Hanukkah Discover the how, when and where of the Chanukah (Hanukkah) miracle. The head of the family was Mattathias, an elderly man. Also, read Jesus Calms The Storm. I also learned about other gruesome stories in […] Rather, North American Jews use this holiday as a celebration of family, reinforcing Jewish identity in a place whose population may be overwhelmingly Christian but in which Jews feel at home. Instead, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days. Perhaps the most famous part of the story is what happened next: a tiny jar of oil kept the candles burning for the full eight days. *Some rabbis and scholars believe the Hanukkah story isn’t what I wrote; I simply wrote about a widely-accepted-as-truth Hanukkah story. The common modern-day Hanukkah story is incorrect in that we never lived under Greek rule: just Macedonian rule. About The Story of Hanukkah. By the 1920s, however, Jews increasingly added gift-giving to their Hanukkah celebrations, prompting some people to refer to Hanukkah as the "Jewish Christmas.". Hanukkah was always considered a minor Jewish holiday. Although historians debate the causes and outcomes of the war in which Judah Maccabee and his followers defeated the Syrian armies of Antiochus, there is no doubt that Hanukkah evokes stirring images of Jewish valor against overwhelming odds. Its use in transliteration of Hebrew into English is based on influences of Yiddish and German, particularly since transliteration into German tended to be earlier than transliteration into English. is one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Bible. I also learned about other gruesome stories in […] Judea was part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt until 200 BCE when King Antiochus III the Great of Syria defeated King Ptolemy V Epiphanes of Egypt at the Battle of Panium. History of Hanukkah. Imperial County, California: 15 killed in major vehicle crash. First we are introduced to Solomon and his family who are Jewish. History of Hanukkah. Starting tomorrow evening, many Jews will celebrate Hanukkah. Antiochus also abolished Judaism, outlawing the observance of Shabbat and the Festivals, as well as circumcision. That is why Hanukkah is celebrated every year from 12th December to 20th December. However, this detail does not appear in any Jewish texts until 600 years later in the Talmud, mentioned in a larger discussion of why Hanukkah observance is so important. The first official White House Hanukkah party was held on by. The Temple contained many beautiful objects, including a tall, golden menorah. The Temple contained many beautiful objects, including a tall, golden menorah. President Ronald Reagan often spoke at Hanukkah events, but George H.W. President George W. Bush in 2001. I also learned about the “real” story of Purim – there is more beyond the Disney version which includes a violent ending to the Book of Esther, which I never knew about as a child. Though outnumbered, Judah Maccabee and his fighters miraculously won two major battles, routing the Syrians decisively. The most preferred practice is to vary the number of lights each night. The Maccabees were under foreign rule and exposed to pagan practice just as Jesus and his Jewish followers were under the Roman Empire. See the video story below, Happy Hanukkah 2020 :- Hanukkah Story The eight-day jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah or Chanukkah is celebrated to embrace the victory of the Maccabees over a larger Greek army and the rededication during the second century B.C. The story of Hanukkah took place 165 years before Jesus' birth. Hanukkah: History of Hanukkah. Bush was the first to attend candle lighting of his staff in the White House building itself. More than 2000 years ago there was a time when the land of Israel was part of the Syrian-Greek Empire, dominated by Syrian rulers of the dynasty of the Seleucids.. The story of Hanukkah. When the Greeks challenged the Jews to sacrifice a pig to a Greek god, a band courageous Jews took to the hills (near modern-day Modi’in) in open revolt against this threat to Jewish life. The Story of Hanukkah. וכל שמונת ימי חנוכה הנרות הללו קודש הם, ואין לנו רשות להשתמש בהם אלא להאיר אותם בלבד כדי להודות ולהלל לשמך הגדול על נסיך ועל נפלאותיך ועל ישועותיך.