Also called "Jewish Christmas", Hanukkah is actually much older than the Christian holiday. The celebrations last eight days, during which Chanukah candles are burned. Curious about the traditions? Read this article!
Steps
Step 1. The story of the party
The celebration commemorates God's protection of the Israelites and the miracles that took place on Hanukkah. The holiday honors the triumph of faith and the courage of the Israelite people, who knew how to assert their rights, against the prohibition and the threat of the death penalty if they studied the sacred texts or organized rites. Without being able to enter the temple, people of Jewish faith were obliged to worship other gods. However, a handful of Israelites, called Maccabees, defied the invaders and claimed the place of worship. To thank God, they lit the eternal flame of the great Menorah of the temple, a seven-branched oil lamp. However, the pressing and purification of the sacred olive oil took eight days. Moreover, the supply available to the Jews would have been enough for just one day. Anyway, they decided to turn on the lamp. And a miracle happened. The oil jug filled itself every single day to illuminate the great Menorah (according to a misconception, the oil burned continuously for eight days). This story was also told by Josephus, one of the earliest Jewish historians. But the real miracle of Hanukkah is the victory of the Maccabees over what was one of the most powerful armies of the time.
Step 2. Get a Hanukkiah, nine-branched candlestick, and candles to burn
The ninth arm, which is placed at a higher height than the other eight, is called the "shamash", and its candle is used to light the others. Usually, the moment of illumination coincides with sunset.
- On the first evening, the shamash and the first candle are lit, accompanying the rite with a blessing.
- The candles are placed from right to left, but burned in reverse. The first candle lit is always the last one placed on the Hanukkiah, while the last one you light is the one that will have been placed first.
- On the second night, the shamash and two candles are lit. The last night they will all be on.
- According to tradition, the Hanukkiah stands in front of a window, so that all passers-by can remember the miracle of Hanukkah. Some families arrange the candles from left to right, so that their order is reversed for those who see them from the outside.
Step 3. Recite blessings as you light the Hanukkiah or Menorah to show respect for God and Jewish ancestors
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Each time you light candles, say the following blessings:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
("Blessed be You, O Lord Our God, Creator of the Universe, who sanctified us with Your commandments and gave us the light of Hanukkah.")
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, she’asah nisim l’avoteinu, b’yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
("Blessed be You, O Lord Our God, Creator of the Universe, who saved our fathers".)
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, shehekheyanu, v’kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh.
("Blessed be You, O Lord Our God, Creator of the Universe, who have kept us alive and brought us towards this season.")
Step 4. Have fun with the "dreidel", a four-sided spinning top that is used to gamble:
you win candies or nuts. The players all start with the same amount of candy, while some of the candy is placed in a container placed in the center. Each participant takes turns spinning the top. Each side has a letter indicating whether to take or give candy. The game ends when only one participant is left with all the sweets, or when they have all been eaten (this happens very frequently if there are many children!).
Step 5. Give the little ones money (“gelt”) and chocolate coins every Hannukah night
Consider giving each child five euros, perhaps to be paid for charity.
You can also give gifts to adults: Hanukkiah candelabra, Jewish recipe books …
Step 6. Eat foods cooked in oil, one of the symbols of the holiday
A Hanukkah would not be complete without the characteristic latkes, pancakes made with chopped potatoes, onion, matzah flour and salt, fried in oil to make them golden and crunchy and accompanied by apple mousse or sour cream. Another specialty of this period, especially in Israel, is represented by sufgeniot, donuts covered with sugar and, of course, fried.
Dairy products are consumed during Hanukkah to commemorate the story of Judith, who saved her village from Holofernes by offering him salty cheese and wine in large quantities. When the man passed out, she grabbed his sword and beheaded him. This is why cheese latkes and blintze are popular during this festival
Step 7. Practice "Tikun Olam"
Take advantage of the holiday to discuss sharing and the importance of asserting your rights. Look for causes that support free thought and free religious expression, and help the little ones spread this message despite the fact that it has been a long time since the miracle of Hanukkah.
Advice
- Hanukkah shouldn't compete with Christmas, even if the two celebrations coincide. Live the party thinking about what you believe in and have fun.
- The transliteration of the word "Hanukkah" can be written in various ways, including "Chanukah", "Chanukkah", "Chanucah" and "Hannukah".
Warnings
- On Friday night of Hanukkah week, light the candles before Shabbat starts, as it is forbidden to do so after sunset.
- Do not blow out candles unless absolutely necessary (for example you have to leave the house and no one can keep an eye on them). Wait for them to wear out on their own. If you're afraid of confusion, use candles that don't drip or put aluminum foil under the Hanukkiah.
- Remove all easily flammable objects from the candlestick. Also pay attention to children.
