Chanukah On the Net - Did You Know? (Chanukah) - Chanukah, Hanukkah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Hanuka, Channukah, Hanukka, Hanaka, Haneka, Hanika, and Khanukkah

Did You Know?
(Chanukah)

Did you know that the eight-day holiday of Chanukah falls anytime between the middle of November and the beginning of January? The date fluctuates because Chanukah is set according to the Jewish calendar, which is lunar-based. The holiday of Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Did you know that Chanukah is one of the least religiously significant holidays in the Jewish calendar? The principle holidays of the Jewish faith include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot. Due to its proximity to Christmas, however, Chanukah has taken on greater prominence in the last century.

Did you know that giving gifts is not a tradition historically associated with Chanukah? Again, the proximity to Christmas has rubbed off on Chanukah celebrations -- commercially speaking, at least.

Did you know the Chanukah story is not written about in the Torah. The principle event of the holiday, the battle between the Maccabees and the Greeks, is post-Biblical. It happened several hundred years after the Torah is believed to have been given to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai.

Did you know that the word Chanukah in Hebrew means "dedication." The name recalls the Maccabees' rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after they won their battle with the Greeks for control over their holy site.

Did you know that the menorah is actually a seven-branched candelabra? Calling the nine-branched candelabra used on a Chanukah is a misnomer; it is actually called a chanukiah.

Did you know that the wax of the Chanukah candles (or some people use oil) should be sufficient to burn at least 30 minutes after the stars come out? The light of the candles is intended to "publicize" the miracle of Chanukah, which is why they are traditionally lit next to a window.

Did you know that Chanukah is referred to as the Festival of Lights? Chanukah begins four days before the new moon, which is the darkest night of the month. Kislev, the month in which Chanukah takes place, is also close to the winter solstice, which is the longest -- and darkest -- month of the year. The only ritual associated with Chanukah is lighting the candles on the chanukiah. Like many other faiths, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah brings light into the darkest time of the year.

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Comments

Ryan

08:30 12/25/2008

All the way from Philippines>>>, Well, HAnnukah's essence lies between the victory of the Maccabees and the Purification of the Temple, of which I believe are the will of the Father during that time..so anyBody has the right to commemorate the wondrous will of the Father.

Dorothy from South Carolina, US

06:21 12/23/2008

The G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is bigger than just Judah, and has always welcomed others in by faith (as Rahab and Ruth). As I see it, anyone who honors G-d and believes in the miracles He performs for His people should celebrate Hanukkah.

Sammy from Colorado, US

14:31 12/21/2008

Ok, i might be reading this wrong, but did you just ask if a Jewish person believes in G-d but not jesus does he celebrate Chanukah? There are so many things wrong with your question it's not even funny! First of all, I've never even met a Jewish person who believes in jesus. Second of all, if "Jews who believe in G-d but not jesus" do not celebrate Chanukah, then who does? Third of all, if one does believe in G-d and/or jesus, then that person isnt Jewish at all and doesn't celebrate Chanukah (or at least should not)! Do you even know what Judaism is? You are just spreading your ignorance right now.

BexElttil from Pennsylvania, US

02:03 12/19/2008

Irene, of course a Jewish person celebrates Chanukah. Even if they don't believe in G-d, or even if, as some do, believe in Jesus. (shhh don't tell the rabbis, they think you're not Jewish anymore if you believe in Him.)

Irene Ortiz Dietrick from Texas, US

15:09 12/18/2008

If a jewish person believes in God but not Jesus, does he celebrate Chanukah?

Miguel Barraza from California, US

16:11 12/17/2008

"Happy recess to all students!"

keonna from Alabama, US

15:28 12/16/2008

that was a great thing

Michelle Goldenburg from Florida, US

13:04 12/16/2008

I need Kwanza,Christmas and Hannuka Info.

George Pilcher from Florida, US

09:32 12/07/2008

Chanukah info

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Did You Know?(Chanukah)

Did You Know?
(Chanukah)