Hanukkah (Day 6) / Rosh Chodesh Tevet in Israel

Overview:

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It usually falls in November or December. Rosh Chodesh Tevet is the beginning of the new month of Tevet in the Hebrew calendar and often coincides with Hanukkah.

History:

The story of Hanukkah begins with a rebellion by the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the second century BCE. After their victory, they rededicated the desecrated Temple and relit its menorah. The miracle associated with Hanukkah is that a small flask of oil, enough to keep the menorah's candles burning for a single day, lasted for eight days.

Rosh Chodesh, meaning 'head of the month,' marks the start of a new lunar month in Judaism. It has been observed since biblical times as a minor festival.

Traditions:

On Day 6 of Hanukkah:

• Menorah Lighting: Jewish families light six candles on the menorah at nightfall (in addition to the shamash, which is used to light the other candles), adding one candle each night.
• Prayers: Special prayers are added to daily worship, including "Hallel" (praises) and an additional prayer called "Al HaNissim" (On the Miracles).
• Dreidel: Playing with a dreidel (a four-sided spinning top) is common.
• Foods: People enjoy foods fried in oil like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) to remember the miracle of oil.

During Rosh Chodesh Tevet:

• Torah Reading: There are special Torah readings that pertain to Rosh Chodesh.
• Mussaf Prayer: An additional service called "Mussaf" is recited after morning prayers.

Activities on this Day:

In Israel:

1. Public Menorah Lightings: Large menorahs are lit in public spaces with music and festivities.
2. Family Gatherings: Families come together to light candles and share meals.
3. Charity: Acts of charity are encouraged during this time as part of bringing light into others' lives.
4. Educational Programs: Schools may hold special educational programs about Hanukkah's history and traditions.

As both Hanukkah and Rosh Chodesh are joyous occasions, this convergence brings additional celebration and reflection for Israeli Jews during their observance.