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Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt. The history centers around a miracle where a day's supply of oil miraculously burned for eight days.
To celebrate this event, Jewish people around the world, including those in Canada, observe Hanukkah traditions that include:
Lighting the Menorah: A nine-branched candelabrum called a "hanukkiah" or "menorah" is lit. On the first night, one candle is lit, and an additional candle is added each subsequent night.
Prayers and Songs: Special prayers like "Hallel" and "Al Hanissim" are recited. Traditional songs such as "Ma'oz Tzur" are sung.
Dreidel Game: Playing with a dreidel (a four-sided spinning top) is a popular game during Hanukkah. Each side of the dreidel has a Hebrew letter which together form an acronym for "A great miracle happened there."
On the first day of Hanukkah in Canada:
Menorah Lighting Ceremonies: Public menorah lightings may take place in city centers or community spaces.
Gatherings: Families and friends gather to light candles, exchange gifts, and share a meal.
Foods: Traditional foods fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed to commemorate the miracle of oil.
Hanukkah's timing varies each year as it follows the Hebrew calendar. It typically falls in November or December on the Gregorian calendar. While it is not a statutory holiday in Canada, it is widely recognized and celebrated by the Jewish community across the country with warmth and festivity.
