Around the world, Jewish families celebrated Hanukkah or Chanukah, December 14 to the 22nd.

Not a lot of people know what Hanukkah represents nor what it’s about. Most people only know that it’s a Jewish holiday.

Abigail said, “Hanukkah is a very special holiday that most Jewish people like to celebrate with their family and friends.”

Rabbi Chani Benjaminson helped get the information that many Jewish families celebrate it due to the victory of the Jewish Maccabees beating the Syrian -Greek invaders. 

Families also celebrate it in remembrance of a small jar of oil burned for 8 continuous days in the temple of menorah instead of just one.

Darlene said, “I know that Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, there’s the menorah which I think has 13 candles.”

The menorah holds 9 flames, one special flame called the shamash, used to kindle the other eight lights

Many families celebrate with lights, special prayers and often fried dairy foods, and oily treats such as doughnuts and potato or cheese pancakes. They also give cash gifts called gelts. They celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the Hebrew calendar, date 25 of kislev. 

It’s important to know about other holidays because it can bring attention to different groups of people that celebrate it. Learning about different cultures and their holiday traditions can help us be more respectful.