Hanukkah, also called Chanukah, represents the victory of the Jewish people against the Syrian-Greek empire and the remarkable endurance of a small quantity of oil for eight days during the time of the Second Holy Temple.

1. What is Hanukkah?: History, Blessings, & Menorah

2. Define Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also called Chanukah, represents the victory of the Jewish
people against the Syrian-Greek empire and the remarkable endurance
of a small quantity of oil for eight days during the time of the Second
Holy Temple.
This resilience earned it the name Festival of Lights.

3. When is Hanukkah Celebrated?
Hanukkah spans eight days, commencing on the 25th day of Kislev in
the Hebrew calendar.
In the captivating year of 2023, celebrations begin on the evening of
December 7 and culminate on December 15.
Melodies of joy blend with the sizzling aroma of oil-infused delicacies,
crafting a festive experience for the senses. The lively spinning of the
dreidel adds to this cultural mosaic, making Hanukkah a vibrant tapestry
of tradition and richness.

4. What does Hanukkah celebrate?
Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of the Jewish people over the
formidable Syrian-Greek empire in ancient times, during the existence
of the Second Holy Temple.
A faction of Jews known as Hellenists began adopting Greek customs,
challenging the essence of Jewish life. Hanukkah's essence lies in the
clash between these contrasting cultures.

5. When the Greeks demanded that Jews offer a pig in sacrifice to a Greek
deity, a courageous group in the hills near modern Modi’in rebelled
against this imposition. Led initially by the priest Matityahu and later by
his son Judah the Maccabee, they engaged in guerrilla warfare.
Despite immense odds over three years, the Maccabees miraculously
overcame the mighty Syrian-Greek army. These Jewish heroes
recaptured and purified the Holy Temple, rededicating it on the 25th day
of Kislev.
Remarkably, with only one sealed jar of pure oil, the Menorah burned for
eight days, establishing the Festival of Lights to celebrate this historic
victory.

6. What is Menorah?
The Menorah, originating from the Torah (Exodus 25: 31-40), symbolizes
Hanukkah candle kindling. Translating to 'lamp,' it's a significant emblem
in Judaism. Explore its deeper meaning and other Jewish symbols in the
article '9 Common Jewish Symbols.'
Like Planit Israel guides trips to Israel, the Menorah represents a
luminous link to Jewish heritage.

7. Lighting Hanukkah Candles:
Understanding the Menorah Tradition
In every household and synagogue, the menorah radiates its light, but
the approach varies.
Certain groups, like the Ashkenazi community, possess individual
menorahs, while Sephardi families opt for a shared, unified glow.
Maintaining clarity, the candles must stand upright, avoiding a
torch-like appearance.

8. The "Shamash" shouldn't be overlooked – it's the distinct helper candle.
To capture the true essence of Hanukkah, the candles should burn for a
minimum of 30 minutes after dusk.
Opting for olive oil adds a meaningful touch, connecting back to the
miraculous event of the Maccabees.
The location for lighting is significant too – ideally outdoors or in a
window facing the street, spreading the enchantment of that miraculous
story.

9. When and Where to light Menorah?
To captivate with the allure of the menorah, the perfect display spot is
outside your doorway, on the left side—a companion to the mezuzah on the
right, creating a tapestry of warmth through these sacred symbols. If
showcasing outdoors isn't feasible, then let the window facing the street
serve as the grand stage.
Remember, the mitzvah occurs precisely at the moment of lighting, so no
adjustments should follow. The optimal time for illumination is at nightfall,
especially amidst a lively gathering, weaving a familial tapestry of tradition
and celebration.

10. Maintain the brilliance of the menorah for a spectacle lasting 30
minutes after nightfall, exclusively meant for observation.
On Fridays, engage in an early 18-minute display before sunset using
larger candles, ensuring the continuation of the 30-minute evening
blaze.
Delve into the intricate details of Friday rituals and special gestures for
travelers and welcomed guests, contributing to the mastery of the
menorah traditions.

11. Hanukkah Blessings
The first blessing acknowledges the sacred directive: "Praised are You, Lord our
God, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, commanding us to kindle the
Hanukkah light.”
The second blessing expresses gratitude for past miracles: "Praised are You, Lord
our God, Who performed miracles for our ancestors, in those days at this time." On
the initial evening,
The third blessing includes gratitude for life and the season. Following the first light
each night, a paragraph extols the miracles, marvels, redemption, and struggles of
Chanukah, underscoring their sacred significance and the prohibition of ordinary
use.

12. Conclusion
Hanukkah's lasting significance echoes in today's cultural complexities,
where the pursuit of Jewish identity endures. Amid present challenges,
the festival is a powerful reminder to protect the eternal light, resisting
assimilation.
Like Planit Israel guides travelers through Israel's history, Hanukkah
directs individuals to preserve their cultural heritage in contemporary
trials.

13. Thank You!
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