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Is Hanukkah like Christmas?
Hanukkah is often thought of as the Jewish Christmas because of its close proximity to the Christmas season, but it’s not the same. Jews and Christians celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas with lights, family, presents, and food, but the two holidays are not the same.
What is the main purpose of Hanukkah?
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
What do you respond to Shalom?
One such word is shalom, which, in everyday usage, can mean either “hello” or “goodbye.” The traditional greeting among Jews is shalom aleichem, peace unto you; to which the response is aleichem shalom, to you, peace.
Do you get gifts on Hanukkah?
Gift-giving is a relatively new tradition during Hanukkah, so when bringing gifts, don’t go overboard. Books, jewelry, and food can be appropriate Hanukkah presents. Family gifts are always appreciated.
What are 3 traditions of Hanukkah?
| Hanukkah | |
|---|---|
| Celebrations | Lighting candles each night. Singing special songs, such as Ma’oz Tzur. Reciting the Hallel prayer. Eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods. Playing the dreidel game, and giving Hanukkah gelt |
| Begins | 25 Kislev |
| Ends | 2 Tevet or 3 Tevet |
Did Jesus celebrate the Hanukkah?
The word “Hanukkah” means dedication and is celebrated each year as the Feast of Dedication or the Festival of Lights. Jesus made sure he was in Jerusalem during Hanukkah, The Feast of Dedication, in John chapter 10. He did not ignore it, or any of the prescribed feasts.
What does the word Hanukkah mean in Hebrew?
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The word ‘Hanukkah’ means ‘Dedication’ in Hebrew. It celebrates a miracle that happened in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.
What’s the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah?
Although most people use the word menorah in the context of Hanukkah, what observers are actually lighting is called a hanukkiah (ha-noo-kee-ah). It looks very similar to a menorah with eight prongs, but has a ninth candle, the Shamash, used to light the other candles. What are some other ways to observe the holiday?
When is the first day of Hanukkah 2019?
Hanukkah (or Chanukah in Hebrew) is celebrated in November or December every year. It lasts for eight days. In 2019 Hanukkah begins on the evening of Sunday 22 December.
Which is the most important customs of Hanukkah?
The celebration of Hanukkah includes a variety of religious and nonreligious customs. The most important of all is the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra with eight branches plus a holder for the shammash (“servant”) candle that is used to light the other eight candles.