Flying The Web For News.
  • Career Exam Study
    Career Exam Study
  • US Politics
    US Politics
  • E-commerce Guide
    E-commerce Guide
  • Dropshipping Guide
    Dropshipping Guide
  • Microsoft Exam
    Microsoft Exam
  • IT Career News
    IT Career News

Article Tools/Herramientas de artículos

+ Larger Font/Fuente más grande | - Smaller Font/Fuente más pequeña




Global World Topics

Hanukkah History

Hi everyone! Welcome to the RobinsPost news site, where I share my passion for history and culture. Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite holidays: Hanukkah!

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish festival that celebrates the miracle of light and the triumph of freedom over oppression. It lasts for eight days and nights, usually in late November or December, and it involves lighting candles, playing games, eating delicious foods, and exchanging gifts. This year Hanukkah will be celebrated between Thursday, Dec 7, 2023 – Friday, Dec 15, 2023. But do you know the history behind this amazing holiday? Let me tell you!


Hanukkah Jewish Festival Of Lights History, Events, and Culture

Hanukkah dates back to the second century B.C. when the land of Israel was ruled by the Seleucid Empire, a successor of Alexander the Great's empire. The Seleucids were Greek-Syrians who tried to impose their culture and religion on the Jewish people. They outlawed Jewish practices, desecrated the holy Temple in Jerusalem, and erected a statue of Zeus inside it.

The Jews resisted this tyranny and fought back under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, a brave and charismatic warrior. He and his followers, known as the Maccabees, waged a guerrilla war against the Seleucids for three years until they finally drove them out of Jerusalem and reclaimed the Temple. This was a huge victory for the Jewish people and their faith.

But there was a problem: the Temple was in ruins and needed to be cleansed and rededicated. The Maccabees found only one jar of pure oil that could light the menorah, the seven-branched candelabrum that symbolized God's presence. The jar had enough oil for only one day, but miraculously, it lasted for eight days until new oil could be prepared. This was seen as a sign of God's blessing and protection.

That's why Hanukkah is also called the Festival of Lights. Every year, Jews commemorate this miracle by lighting candles on a special nine-branched menorah called a hanukkiah. They light one candle on the first night, two on the second night, and so on until all eight candles are lit on the last night. The ninth candle called the shamash or "helper", is used to light the others. The candles are usually placed in a window or a doorway to share the light with others.

Hanukkah is not only about candles, though. It's also about having fun and enjoying time with family and friends. One of the most popular games is Dreidel, a spinning top with four Hebrew letters on its sides: nun, gimmel, hey, and shin. These letters stand for "nes gadol hayah sham", which means "a great miracle happened there". The game is played with chocolate coins or other tokens, and each letter determines how much you win or lose when you spin the dreidel. It's a simple but exciting game that everyone can play!

Another Hanukkah tradition is eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). These foods are not only yummy but also remind us of the miracle of oil that happened in the Temple. Some people also eat cheese or dairy products to honor Judith, a Jewish heroine who saved her town from an enemy general by feeding him cheese and wine until he fell asleep and then cutting off his head with his sword. Talk about girl power!

Hanukkah is also a time for giving gifts, especially to children. This custom became more popular in recent times as a way to make Jewish kids feel included in the holiday season that is dominated by Christmas. Some people also give money or "gelt" to children as a reward for studying Torah or as an incentive to play dreidel. Giving gifts is not only fun but also a way to express gratitude and generosity.

As you can see, Hanukkah is a rich and meaningful holiday that celebrates the history and identity of the Jewish people. It teaches us about courage, faith, hope, and joy in the face of adversity. It also reminds us of the importance of freedom, justice, and peace for all people. Hanukkah is not just a festival of lights; it's a festival of life!

Hanukkah Festival Events Around The World List

Hanukkah is a wonderful time to celebrate the miracle of light and the triumph of freedom. It is also a great opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of Jewish culture around the world. Whether you are looking for a traditional or a modern way to mark the Festival of Lights, here are some of the best events you can join or watch online this year.

- **Kharkiv, Ukraine**: Enjoy a spectacular light show at the Freedom Square, where a giant menorah is lit by Rabbi Moishe Moskovych every night of Hanukkah. You can also join the festive concerts, workshops, and games that take place at the Jewish Cultural Center Beit Dan.

- **Denver, Colorado**: Experience a unique Hanukkah celebration on the water with Aish of the Rockies, a Jewish outreach organization. You can board a riverboat and cruise along the South Platte River while listening to live music, eating latkes and donuts, and watching the menorah lighting on the shore.

- **Tel Aviv, Israel**: Marvel at the world's largest Lego menorah, which is displayed at the Sarona Market. The colorful creation, made of more than 500,000 Lego bricks, is in the running for a Guinness World Record. You can also enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, and delicious food at the market.

- **Santiago, Chile**: Join the vibrant street party organized by the Jewish community of Chile every year. You can dance to live music, taste traditional dishes, and witness the lighting of a huge menorah at Plaza Italia, one of the city's main landmarks.

- **Helena, Montana**: Celebrate Hanukkah with Montana's governor Greg Gianforte, who hosts an annual menorah lighting ceremony at the state capitol. You can also learn about the history and significance of Hanukkah from local rabbis and community leaders.

- **Mumbai, India**: Visit the Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, one of the oldest and most beautiful synagogues in India. You can admire its stunning architecture, see its rare Torah scrolls, and participate in its Hanukkah services and events. You can also sample some of the Indian-Jewish delicacies, such as samosas filled with cheese and spinach, or coconut milk halva.

- **São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil**: Attend the Chabad Hanukkah Festivals in Brazil's two largest cities, where you can watch impressive fireworks, listen to Brazilian-Jewish singers, and play dreidel games with thousands of people. You can also see the menorahs that are lit at iconic locations, such as Copacabana Beach or Ibirapuera Park.

- **Taipei, Taiwan**: Celebrate Hanukkah with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen attends a menorah lighting ceremony at the Chabad House every year. You can also join the fun activities that are organized by the Jewish community of Taiwan, such as making sufganiyot (jelly donuts), playing with dreidels, and learning about Hanukkah traditions.

These are just some of the amazing Hanukkah events that you can find around the world. No matter where you are or how you celebrate, we wish you a happy and bright Hanukkah!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about Hanukkah. If you did, please share it with your friends and leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you! And if you celebrate Hanukkah, I wish you a happy and bright holiday! Chag sameach



More News From This Category

🌕 The Crimson Veil: September’s Blood Moon Eclipse and the Celestial Wonders Still to Come in 2025

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:10:39 +0000

On the night of September 7–8, 2025, the skies will unveil one of the most dramatic spectacles of the year: a total lunar eclipse, famously known as a Blood Moon. As Earth slips between the Sun and the Moon, our planet’s shadow will bathe the lunar surface in a haunting crimson glow—an ancient omen, a scientific marvel, and a spiritual invitation all at once.



Read More ...


Physical Prep Tips for New Wildland Firefighters

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:36:43 +0000

Two wildland firefighters wearing protective equipment stand close to each other while holding up a water hose.

Wildland firefighting ranks high among the most physically demanding careers. Seasonal firefighters who are new to the profession often underestimate the intense physical toll this job takes on the human body. Success in the field depends heavily on proper conditioning before you ever set foot on a fire line.

Read More ...


The Ethical Implications of Using AI in Hiring

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:34:59 +0000

An extreme close-up showing someone using a laptop with a graphic popping up in front if it saying 'AI'.

Artificial intelligence has transformed how companies recruit talent, but this technological revolution raises critical ethical questions. Whether you’re a hiring manager or a job seeker, understanding the ethical implications of using AI in hiring is key to moving forward safely and responsibly.

Read More ...


5 Industries Where HAZMAT Certification Is Vital

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:33:00 +0000

A tanker truck is on an empty highway in the right lane. The tanker truck features symbols for hazardous materials.

Getting HAZMAT certification might seem like extra paperwork, but it's required by law in many jobs across Pennsylvania and beyond. If you handle, transport, or work around hazardous materials, this certification protects you, your coworkers, and your community from serious dangers.

Read More ...


Communication Towers: What Safety Features You Need

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:29:36 +0000

An engineer climbing up the center ladder of a communication tower. They're using a red safety harness to attach themselves.

Installing a communication tower demands following safety guidelines to protect workers and maintain project success. Whether you’re installing a brand new tower or performing maintenance on an existing tower, creating a safe environment for workers and the surrounding area is essential.

Read More ...


Related Bing News Results

Global Black identity and cultural expression through the lens of sport

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:48:00 GMT
In the realm of sports, Global Blackness emerges as a multidimensional platform for identity formation, resistance, and cultural expression. Rooted in ...

Equity in Global Neurosurgery

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:59:00 GMT
Equity in neurosurgical care is an urgent global priority. Over 5 million people lack access to timely, affordable neurosurgical services, most acutely in ...

iConnections and MFA Announce Distinguished Speakers and Critical ...

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:00:00 GMT
Global Alts Miami will bring together iConnections’ and MFA’s flagship cap intro and thought leadership events for the first time. The conference is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees.

global trade News Updates - Transport Topics

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:01:00 GMT
Global goods trade in 2025 will grow less then initially forecast, the World Trade Organization said, as rising instability weighs on economic activity and threatens to disrupt shipping.

Twitter's Hot Topics From 2022 Featured Memes Alongside Global ...

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 02:00:00 GMT
Goth clowns, Ted Lasso, and Cold War: Twitter's trending topics from 2022 reveal pop culture fads alongside global political unrest ...


Blow Us A Whistle




Related Product Search/Búsqueda de productos relacionados