Hanukkah (or Chanukah, as it's sometimes called) is a Jewish winter holiday, The Festival of Lights, that can be read about in the Maccabees, the Mishna and the Talmud. While none of these books are part of either the Jewish canon or the Protestant Old Testament as they are not inspired by God, they do have some historical accuracy and can be read for that. Jesus did go to a "Feast of Dedication" in the winter, and that is mentioned in John 10:22.
The Jewish people have many traditions revolving around the story of the Mattityahu and his sons and their rebellion against Antiochus, the ruler of Greece and Judah. Antiochus had outlawed Judaism and built an altar to Zeus in the LORD's temple, even going so far as to sacrifice pigs (the most profane of creatures) in it.
They succeeded in overtaking the Temple, and proceeded to rededicate it to God's Holy use. On about the 25th day of Kislev, the 9th month of the Jewish calendar, they (and God's temple) were ready to celebrate their victory for the kingdom.
They wanted to hold a "Festival of Lights" to celebrate God's light returning, and they named it "Hanukkah", or "rededication". They wanted to use oil that had been consecrated by the high priest, but in all of Israel there was only enough to light the menorah (or lamp) for one day. Miraculously, it lasted for eight days, the amount of time needed to make more and have it consecrated.
This story is the basis for many Hanukkah traditions. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. On each day one of the branches of the menorah would be lit in remembrance of the eight days of God's light. While formerly oil, the menorah is now lit with candles. The menorah is also known as a hanukkiah.
While many associate the dreidel with Jewish culture, it was actually a top used in a German gambling game. Dreidel literally means "spinning top" in German, not Hebrew. Even during Hanukkah, it is used for gambling with small coins or chocolates known as gelt. The Hanukkah dreidel has four letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each standing for a different action in the game; however, many Jews have taken their meaning instead to be the first letters in the sentence "A Great Miracle Happened There".
Of course, eight days of festivities would make anyone hungry, so what do the Jewish people eat during Hanukkah? Well, to begin with, fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot to commemorate the oil for the menorah. Brisket is a popular Hanukkah meat. Various cheese and veggie pies are also called for. Honestly, I'm getting hungry for all of that just reading about it. ;)
After the lighting of the menorah, a prayer or two is recited and the family will then go to a synagogue for a worship service.
Having done all of this research makes me even more glad that Christ came to free us from our sins, that we no longer have to make sacrifices, and that we can freely proclaim our faith. All of these ceremonies that are held to celebrate one religious holiday will not bring salvation. Prayer is needed for God's Chosen People. They live in a world of traditions, and that is not what God wants for us or them.
Below is one of the songs that is sung during Hanukkah.
Thank you for reading, and Happy Hanukkah!
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