Hanukkah is a Jewish festival also known as the 'festival of lights' remembering the rededication of the Second Temple at Jerusalem. During the second century, BCE Jerusalem was ruled by Greeks who forced the people of Israel to follow Greek beliefs. A small army led by Judah defeated the Greek army leading to the victory of Jerusalem. Israelites celebrated the event rededicating the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
Temple menorah (ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold) was lit using a single cruse of olive oil left behind. Miraculously the lamp lasted for eight days until new oil could be prepared (under conditions of ritual purity). Ever since Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days according to the Hebrew calendar. 25th of Kislev of the Hebrew calendar marks the commencement of Hanukkah. In 2021, Hanukkah begins at sundown on November 28 and finishes at sundown on December 6.
Mostly all traditional foods for Hanukkah are fried because it celebrates the miracle of the oil that kept the menorah lit for eight days. Potato pancakes garnished with sour cream, jelly-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), apple fritters are some of the common food items that are prepared during Hanukkah. Children play dreidel (four-sided spinning top) imprinted with Hebrew letters on each side referring to the miracle.
Grand Army Plaza located in New York has the world's largest menorah. The menorah is 32 feet high and 4,000 pounds in weight. The fun fact about Hanukkah is there is no wrong spelling for the festival. There are no exact English translations of the Hebrew word and thus Hanukkah, Hannuka, or Chanukah can be seen used while writing messages. In 2008, a 25-foot steel menorah was lit by Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg in front of the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Team Crazy Creatives wish IFians, Happy Hanukkah!!
Credit: Serpensortia
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