Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah celebrates
the miracle that occurred when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple
. … When Jews light the eight candles of the menorah on the eight nights of Hanukkah, they recite a prayer extolling God who “performed miracles for our ancestors in days of old.”
What happens each night of Hanukkah?
Each night at sundown,
family and friends gather to light another candle on the hanukkiah
. Songs and prayers are often said, and then it's time to eat! To celebrate the history of the holiday many traditional dishes are cooked using lots of oil. One of the most popular Hanukkah foods is the latke (say “LOT-kuh”).
What are the 8 nights of Hanukkah called?
Jewish people still celebrate this miracle every year during Hanukkah, which starts Thursday night. The holiday, also known as
the festival of lights
, lasts for eight nights.
What are the 3 Hanukkah blessings?
The traditional Hanukkah candle lighting service consists of saying all three blessings on the first night, and only the first and second blessings for the seven nights to follow. Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tsivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
What is the golden menorah?
The menorah (/məˈnɔːrə/; Hebrew: מְנוֹרָה Hebrew pronunciation: [menoˈʁa]) is described in the Bible as the
seven-lamp (six branches) ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold
and used in the tabernacle set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Why are there 8 candles on the menorah?
Light the Menorah
The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah, a candelabra that holds nine candles. Eight candles
symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed
; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others.
Do you get a present every day of Hanukkah?
Traditionally, gifts were
not a part of Hanukkah
. Instead gelt — a small amount of money or chocolate coins — was given to children. However, some parents now include gift giving in their Hanukkah festivities.
Is it OK to say Happy Hanukkah?
What is the proper greeting for Hanukkah? To wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, say “
Hanukkah Sameach!”
(Happy Hanukkah) or simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday).
What do you pray for each night of Hanukkah?
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b-mitzvotav, v-tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Blessed are you, Our God, Ruler of the Universe
, who makes us holy through Your commandments, and commands us to light the Hanukkah lights.
What are the two Hanukkah prayers?
“
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh
.” Translation: “Blessed are You, Lord our G‐d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.” On all other nights, only the first two prayers are said.
What to say while lighting the menorah?
Saying the Blessings
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah
. Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Where is the real menorah?
Of course, the most renowned artwork depicting the Menorah remains permanently on display in
Rome
on the Arch of Titus.
What is the story behind the menorah?
Since biblical times, the seven-branched menorah has symbolized Judaism. It first appears in Exodus, as a lighting fixture within the Tabernacle, a sort of portable temple used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The menorah is described in Exodus in minute detail,
based on a heavenly prototype
.
Where is the menorah kept?
During each night of Hanukkah, candles are inserted into the
menorah
from right to left but are lighted from left to right. The lamp is displayed in a highly visible location, and depictions of it are often found on public buildings, synagogues, and private homes.
Why is the shamash higher?
The menorah has nine branches, one for each night of the Festival of Lights, plus a shamash, meaning helper or attendant, which is lit first and then used to light the other candles. The
shamash always sits a bit higher or lower than the rest of the candles
so as to not get confused with the others.
