Hanukkah

The Origins of Hanukkah

The holiday is named Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, in honor of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a small band of Jewish people reclaimed it from the Syrian-Greeks in second century BCE. The group had a small amount of oil to light the Temple, which they expected to last only briefly; however, the oil continued to burn for eight nights. The lighting of the menorah symbolizes this miracle.

When and How Hanukkah is Observed

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The Hanukkah menorah (or hanukkiah) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited. The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), used to light the other eight.

How to Wish Someone a Happy Hanukkah

There are several ways in which you can wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, including "Happy Hanukkah!" or one of the following:

• Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday): This saying is not limited to Hanukkah and can be used during any Jewish holiday;
• Chag Urim Sameach (Happy Festival of Lights); or
• Hanukkah Sameach (Happy Hanukkah).