Jewish Christmas?
The Jewish Christmas, or as it is commonly known, Hanukkah, is an 8-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was freed from the Greeks. This holiday commemorates the miracle of a single day’s worth of oil that kept the temple lit for 8 days.
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated in late November or early December, which is the same time of year as the Christian holiday of Christmas. This has caused some controversy as to why the Jewish holiday is celebrated close to the same time as Christmas.
The History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days each year in late November or early December. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was freed from the Greeks. During the holiday, a special candle called a menorah is lit each night, and prayers are said. The menorah is lit for 8 days, symbolizing the miracle of a single day’s worth of oil that kept the temple lit for 8 days.
The story of Hanukkah is said to have originated in the 2nd century BCE when the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes conquered the land of Israel and attempted to impose Greek culture and religious beliefs on the Jewish people. In response, the Maccabees, or Hasmoneans, led a successful revolt against the Greeks and rededicated the temple in Jerusalem.
Why is Hanukkah Celebrated Close to Christmas?
Due to the timing of Hanukkah, it often falls close to the Christian holiday of Christmas. This has led to a great deal of confusion and controversy over why the Jewish holiday is celebrated so close to the Christian holiday.
The truth is that Hanukkah was a traditional Jewish holiday long before Christmas was established as a Christian holiday. The timing of Hanukkah is based on the Jewish lunar calendar, which is slightly different from the solar calendar used by Christians. Therefore, the two holidays will not always be celebrated on the same day each year, but they often fall close to each other.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
The traditional way to celebrate Hanukkah is to light a menorah each night for 8 days and recite the blessings. Some people also give gifts and play games, such as dreidel and latkes.
Hanukkah is a time to celebrate freedom and religious tolerance. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about Jewish history and culture.
Conclusion
Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was freed from the Greeks. Despite the fact that it is celebrated close to the Christian holiday of Christmas, the two holidays are not related. The timing of Hanukkah is based on the Jewish lunar calendar, and the two holidays will not always be celebrated on the same day each year.
Hanukkah is an opportunity to celebrate freedom and religious tolerance. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about Jewish history and culture.
Video Link
Here is a video link from youtube.com to help you understand more about Hanukkah:
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