Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish festival celebrated to remember the "miracle of light" and the triumph of the Maccabees in reclaiming the Second Temple.
The story begins in 175 B.C.E when the Jewish people lived in Israel and the Second Temple was standing in Jerusalem. At the time, Syrian Greeks ruled under King Antiochus IV.
Antiochus IV wanted to reign over the Jewish people; therefore, he forbade the practice of Judaism and forced the Jewish people to believe in the pagan Greek gods. Many Jews resisted while other Jews accepted the beliefs and were known as Hellenists.
Amongst the resistance, one Jewish priest, known as Mattityahu motivated the Jews to challenge and revolt against the injustice set forth by the king. Led by the youngest of his 5 sons, Judah Maccabee lead all of those who had not become Hellenists in revolting against the Syrian king. They fought against the Syrian Greeks and forced them out of Jerusalem, and thus, the Maccabees regained control of the Second Temple despite finding the holy altar dedicated to the Greek gods. The Maccabees had the Temple restored and purified, then dedicated a new altar to the service of G-d.
An important component of the holy Temple required the daily lighting of a seven- candelabra Menorah. However, the Maccabees were faced with a huge dilemma as they only had enough oil to last for one day. The oil ended up lasting for eight days, and because of this, was seen as a miracle of G-d. In reference to Hanukkah, people always refer to the 'miracle of lights'
How to celebrate Hanukkah?
Over centuries, the Jewish people have commemorated this event by lighting a Hanukia, also referred to as a Menorah. The Hanukia has nine candleholders; of which the first eight are in remembrance of the days the oil lasted, as where the ninth candle is used to light the rest. At sundown, the family gathers and says a prayer to light the menorah. Every night one candle is lit.
What to eat on this holiday?
Sufganiot, also known as a Jelly Donuts are very popular during the holiday as well as Latkes, also known as Fried Potato Pancakes. The foods during this holiday contain a lot of oil in remembrance to the miracle.
Events in Tel Aviv?
Tel Aviv:
Bialik House: Hanukkah activities for children December 3 - 9, 10:00 - 14:00
http://telavivcity.com/eng/article.asp?articlecode=3837
Tours in Jaffa "The Three Monotheistic Religions"
http://telavivcity.com/eng/article.asp?articlecode=3843
More Events at:
http://telavivcity.com/eng/hanuka.asp
by Axel Angeles
diplomacy.co.il
