judaism and hanukkah

JUDAISM AND HANUKKAH

TRADITION

Vary from country to country and even from family to family

In general:• Menorah is a candelabra with spaces for 9 candles• One set apart from the rest in some way (bigger, in front, etc.)

• This candle called the “Shamas” or assistant• One candle is lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah

• One on the first and adding another each night• This commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem

and the “miracle of Hanukkah.”• As the candles are lit, 3 blessings are sung in Hebrew• Heads are covered during the blessings as a sign of respect for

God

TRADITIONS ( C O N ’ T )

After the lighting of the candles:• Story-telling• Play dreidle game (a wagering game played with a

4-sided top)• Sing songs• Giving of coins to the children

• Changed now to giving of presents – sometimes one each night with a big present on the final night.

TRADITIONAL FOODS

Potato “latkes” (pancakes) “Sufganiot” (doughnuts)

These foods are eaten because they are fried in oil which commemorates the “miracle” of the oil lasting eight days.