The Jewish Holiday - Hanukkah

Written by: Alina Fang

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyful and meaningful celebration observed by Jewish communities around the world. It marks a pivotal moment in history: the successful reclamation of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple during the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. Starting on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and days, usually falling sometime between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. This overlap with the holiday season adds a special charm to the festivities.

At the center of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum with deep symbolic meaning. The shamash (שַׁמָּשׁ‎), or "helper" candle, is used to light the other candles, with one more added each evening until all eight are glowing brightly on the final night. This ritual is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness.

Hanukkah is also a time for families and friends to gather, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Traditional songs fill the air, telling stories of perseverance and faith, while games like dreidel—a spinning top with Hebrew letters—bring fun and laughter to the celebrations. The dreidel game, rooted in history, carries its special charm and serves as a playful connection to the past.

Of course, food is a highlight of Hanukkah! Dishes cooked in oil, like crispy potato latkes and jelly-filled sufganiyot, commonly known as donuts, pay homage to the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the temple menorah. These treats, along with dairy-based dishes like creamy cheesecakes, are a delicious way for families to connect and share traditions around the table.

In recent decades, public Hanukkah celebrations have grown in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of the Chabad Hasidic movement. Giant menorahs are lit in public spaces worldwide, inviting people of all backgrounds to join in the celebration. These events have helped turn Hanukkah into not just a personal tradition, but a community-wide experience that fosters inclusivity and cultural pride.

Hanukkah is a celebration of faith, history, and togetherness, with traditions that continue to shine brightly in Jewish communities and beyond us.

This article was provided by the Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 25 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.

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