The Festival of Lights, more known as Hanukkah starst on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In this year Hannukah begins on December 24. This festival was instituted by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. to celebrate the purification of the Temple of Jerusalem.
In Jewish tradition Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday. Hovewer, in the US its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah. It is celebrated with festive foods, games and gift-giving.
Traditions and rituals
1. Lighting of the Menorah
The lighting of the menorah is the most important tradition. A menorah is a candlestand with nine branches - eight candles represents each day of Hanukkah , nine cadnle is used to light the others. People say blessings when the menorah is lit.
TASK: Find what symbolizes the Menorah.
2. Dreidel
The dreidel is a popular toy symbolizing the Hanukkah period. It is a spinning top with a different Hebrew letter inscribed in each of its four sides. A letter tells the player how much to put in, or take out, of the pot. The four letters form an acronym for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham”.
TASK: Find what acronym: “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” means.
3. Music
Ma’Oz Tzur is a liturgical poem sung after lightning the menorah each night.
TASK: Find more songs connected with the Festival of Lights.
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