Chanukah/Hanukkah (First Day) in the United States

History and Significance:

• Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah and known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday.
• It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, following a victory by the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army.
• The holiday is rooted in a miracle where a day's worth of oil burned for eight days in the temple's menorah.

Traditions:

• Lighting of the menorah (also called hanukkiah): On the first night, one candle is lit, and an additional candle is lit on each successive night.
• Special blessings are recited during the lighting, and traditional songs such as "Ma'oz Tzur" are sung.
• Eating foods fried or baked in oil to commemorate the miracle of oil: Popular items include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).
• Playing with dreidels (spinning tops) and giving out gelt (chocolate coins or real money) to children.

What People Do on This Day:

• Gather with family or community to light the first candle on their menorahs at nightfall.
• Exchange gifts or give children presents.
• Attend synagogue services where special prayers like Hallel are recited.
• Engage in charitable activities as part of emphasizing sharing and kindness during this festive period.