Every year, as darkness descends increasingly earlier each evening, Jewish people all over the world almost instinctively feel as if it is time to brighten up the dark nights by celebrating Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Observed every year between the months of late November, December, and early January, Hanukkah marks a time of joy and reflection for the Jewish people. Hanukkah officially begins on the eve of Kislev 25 (the 25th day in the month of November-December in the Hebrew calendar), and festivities last for eight days and nights. Like many other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah comes with a celebration of rich historical traditions, delicious food, and time spent with loved ones.
History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to the Jewish people in the second century BCE. According to Jewish tradition, over 2,000 years ago the Holy Land (Israel) was under the rule of the large and powerful Syrian-Greek army. The Syrian-Greek people tried to force the Jewish people in Israel to conform to their cultural and religious beliefs, rather than observance of the Mitzvah (instruction from the Torah that helps jews form relationships with God). A small yet devoted army of Jews led by Judah the Maccabee was able to triumph over the Syrian-Greek army, one of the strongest armies of its time, and reclaim the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. According to tradition, when the Jewish people went to light the temple’s Menorah (a special candelabra with nine branches), they only had one day’s worth of oil supply. However, this supply was able to last throughout eight days and nights, creating the miracle and most widely celebrated aspect of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Traditions
The miracle of this oil celebrated by the Jewish people is intertwined with the many traditions that go along with Hanukkah. Throughout the duration of the eight days, Jews light one candle of the menorah to symbolize each night of the holiday. A ninth candle called the Shamash is used to light each candle and is placed in the center of the menorah. These festivities are accompanied by Jewish songs and prayers. The celebration of the oil does not end here; its significance is seen in the traditional Hanukkah foods. Jewish people often indulge in fried potato pancakes called latkes and jelly filled donuts during the holiday. Another famous Hanukkah tradition is the game Dreidel, commonly played by Jewish children. The Dreidel is a four sided spinning top, each showcasing one Hebrew letter. The game is played with a pile of chocolate coins called chocolate gelt, and each Hebrew letter signifies the amount of the pile that one can take for themselves. For example, if one dreidel lands on the Hebrew letter hei, the person can take half of the pile. Gift giving has also become an important part of Hanukkah for many modern families.
Celebrations at San Marcos
Because the Jewish religion uses the Hebrew calendar which is determined by the phases of the moon (lunisolar), Hanukkah falls on different days each year. This year, Hanukkah begins on the night of December 25th, 2024, and ends on January 2nd, 2025. Our Jewish club here at San Marcos, run by juniors Gemma Cooper, Lily Wallace, and Jacob Brown, will be holding a Hanukkah celebration during lunch. This special club meeting will take place on Thursday, December 12th in room D-8. Students who attend will have the chance to play dreidel, learn about Hanukkah, and try latkes and donuts. Students of all religions and grades are welcome to come learn about Judaism and celebrate Hanukkah with fun games and free food!
When asked about Jewish club, co-president Gemma Cooper said, “We meet once or twice a month on Thursday during lunch. Rabbi Zalmy of the Chabad of Santa Barbara comes to each meeting and brings homemade kosher pizza for the whole club. We are so thankful that he donates his time to us and helps lead discussions of Jewish traditions!”
As Hanukkah approaches, we are reminded of the power that even small amounts of light can hold. If you are interested in learning more about Hanukkah or taking part in its festivities, make sure to consider stopping by Jewish Club’s upcoming celebration!
