The Jewish Festival Of Lights Or Just Hanukkah

Hanukkah refers to the Jewish festival of lights. It is held for 8 days. It memorizes the reestablishment of the Second Temple of Jews in Jerusalem when Maccabean Revolt arose during the 2nd century BC. It initiates from the 25th day of the third civilian month of Jewish Calendar|Jewish calendar’s third month|the third month of the Jew year|Hebrew calendar’s third month} known as Kislev. It comes normally in late November or late December. In the nights of the festival, people light candles in a specialized way and in a special candelabrum. This menorah has nine projections and one candle is to be kindled on each night counting to one more than the previous night. Thus on last day eight candles are ignited. And one added twig at a distinct place is made use of for light. Using Hanukkah candles for light is not allowed, and so this added candle is used.

Hanukkah is commemorated by offering gift items each night. Hanukkah gift baskets may consist of books and games too together with lots of mouthwatering kosher delicacies. To symbolize the significance of oil, Jews consume fried food items on Hanukkah.

On days of Hanukkah, people may go to offices nevertheless they come back early during the evening to light the candles at night. Kids play with dreidel, which is a top having four sides and having Hebrew letters on the surfaces indicating the marvel of Hanukkah.

The kindling of candles is done in a unique style. Every night one more candle is ignited initiating from one on the very first night. One more additional ninth candle is named as shamash. It is placed in a separate spot segregated from the Hanukkah candles, albeit on the same candle-holder. The Hanukkah lights are used only for depicting and concentrating on the saga of Hanukkah. They vary from Sabbath candles because Sabbath candles are utilized for light. Many people light the shamash candle in the starting and utilize it to light other candles. It is not needed to light candles only. People ignite oil lamps also. Electric lights also are utilized in places where fire can be harmful. In every Jew household there is the special candle-stand or lamp holder for Hanukkah nights.

The motive of Hanukkah lights is not lighting but for letting passersby understand regarding the phenomenon of the festival. Hence the lights are kept in a prominent corner in the residence, like door or window which can be readily pointed out from the streets. Based on one thought, there must be one specialized candle-holder for each family member, while as per the other conviction, there must be only one for the whole house.

On Hanukkah, gift articles are exchanged and offered to youngsters also. Children are encouraged by their parents to give donations for charity rather than obtaining gift items in return. People enjoy delicacies fried preferably in olive oil. It signifies the magic of oil which maintained the flame kindled in the Second Temple or Holy Temple for eight days. Traditionally latke or pancake made of potato, jam-filled doughnuts, sufganiyot stuffed with strawberry jam and fried in oil, etc are eaten on the festive event. Numerous  alternatives for the strawberry jam are made use of these days, such as cappuccino, caramel, vanilla, chocolate etc. Cheese delicacies are also enjoyed typically.