What Jewish holiday is celebrated in December? It is Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights. This joyous and significant holiday is observed by Jews around the world, and it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrian-Greek Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Chanukah is a time of light, hope, and the triumph of good over evil, and it holds deep religious and historical significance for the Jewish people.
Chanukah, which falls on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, is a relatively short holiday, lasting eight days. The festival is traditionally celebrated by lighting the Chanukah menorah, a candelabra with nine branches, one of which is distinctively larger than the others. Each night, one candle is lit, starting with the shammash (the helper candle), and continuing until all eight candles are illuminated by the end of the festival.
The story of Chanukah is a tale of perseverance and miracles. During the second century BCE, the Jewish people were oppressed by the Seleucid Empire, which sought to impose Greek culture and practices on the Jewish population. In 167 BCE, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Temple by erecting an altar to Greek gods and sacrificing pigs there. This act of defilement sparked a rebellion led by Judah Maccabee, a Jewish priest and military leader.
After a prolonged battle, the Jewish forces successfully defeated the Seleucids and reclaimed the Temple. In their haste to resume worship, the Maccabees discovered that only a small amount of consecrated oil remained, which was sufficient to light the Temple’s menorah for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, giving them enough time to prepare a new supply. This miracle is celebrated during Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah.
One of the most popular customs associated with Chanukah is the eating of fried foods, particularly latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). These treats are traditionally fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. In addition to the culinary delights, Chanukah is also a time for gift-giving, particularly the exchange of small tokens of appreciation among family and friends.
The holiday of Chanukah is not only a celebration of the past but also a reminder of the importance of faith, resilience, and the fight for religious freedom. It serves as a powerful message of hope, especially in times of adversity. While Chanukah is a relatively minor holiday in terms of its duration and observance, its impact on Jewish culture and history is profound.
In conclusion, Chanukah is the Jewish holiday celebrated in December, a time of light, hope, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. Through its customs, traditions, and the sharing of stories, Chanukah continues to inspire and unite the Jewish people, reminding them of their rich history and the enduring strength of their faith.
