The Ancient Story of Hanukkah

Jelly donuts, potato pancakes and dreidels.

It is a song just for fun and for kids at Hanukah

Chanukah Dreams
Judith Ish-Kishor
Chanukah, I think most dear
Of the feasts of all the year.
I could sit and watch all night
Every twinkling baby light.

Father lights the first one—green;
Hope it always seems to mean;
Hope and Strength to glow anew
In the heart of every Jew.

Jacob lights the blue for Truth.
Pink for Love is lit by Ruth.
Then the white one falls to me,
White that shines for Purity.

How the story of those days
Fills my wondering heart with praise!
And in every flame one sees
The heroic Maccabees.

"Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights, usually in late November or December, according to the Hebrew calendar. It has an ancient history and deep traditions.

The History of Hanukkah goes back to the second century BCE, a tumultuous period in Jewish history. King Antiochus IV of the Seleucid Empire ruled the land of Israel. Antiochus sought to impose Greek culture and religion on the Jews and outlaw their practices by defiling the Holy Temple in Jerusalem with idols and unacceptable sacrifices.

A small army of insurgent Jews, or Maccabees, commanded by Judah Maccabee, resisted Antiochus's forces. Outnumbered, the Maccabees triumphed. They recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Holy Temple to God. When this occurred, they looked to light the Temple Menorah and only found enough pure oil to last one day.

Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, enough time to make more Maccabees to make more oil. This miracle of the lights gives real meaning to Hanukkah, which is celebrated every year.

Hanukkah is rich with traditions, each with symbolic meaning and fun. The most important aspect and centerpiece of the festivities is the lighting of the Menorah, which features nine candleholders. The Menorah has eight, but a ninth candle lights the others.

Most of the food cooked during Hanukkah is fried in oil in commemoration of the miracle of oil. Some of the most popular holiday treats are latkes, known as potato pancakes, and jelly-filled doughnuts. Just thinking of this makes my mouth water. My grandmother made the most delicious latkes ever. Jelly donuts are difficult to make at home, so most Jewish people purchase them at the bakery.

Another beloved Hanukkah tradition is spinning the dreidel, a top whose Hebrew letters say, "A great miracle happened there." The game is typically played for small coins or candies and is especially popular with children. I remember spinning the dreidel with friends and family. It was great fun.

Hanukkah is also a time for giving and receiving gifts, which has become more frequent because of the influence of Christmas. Some families give gifts every night, while others perform acts of charity and kindness.

The Meaning of Hanukkah is the celebration of freedom, faith, and the power of hope. It demonstrates that even against extreme adversity, faith and resilience can wash away our tears regardless of life's struggles and problems. It also demonstrates that light is not merely a physical phenomenon but is a symbol of hope, renewal, and the enduring human spirit.