A festival of light, resilience, and fried food perfection.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating miracles, perseverance, and a triumph against all odds. It’s a celebration that combines history, symbolism, and enough oil to make your cardiologist wince. For time travellers, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in ancient history while indulging in some of the tastiest holiday treats known to humankind.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. Following the Maccabean Revolt, the Jewish people reclaimed their temple from the Seleucid Empire. According to tradition, they found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one day, but miraculously, it burned for eight days—long enough to prepare more oil.
This “miracle of the oil” became the foundation of Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates light overcoming darkness, both literally and metaphorically.
Hanukkah offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modern celebration. From lighting the menorah to spinning dreidels and indulging in golden-fried delicacies, the holiday is a joyous reminder of resilience and community. Each night brings a new candle, a new story, and another excuse to reach for a plate of latkes.
When is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah falls on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, meaning its dates shift yearly in the Gregorian calendar. The holiday can occur as early as late November or as late as late December, so time travellers should check their timepieces carefully.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
1. Light the Menorah
Each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit on the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. The ninth candle, the shamash (helper), is used to light the others. Watching the menorah’s glow grow brighter each evening is a beautiful and symbolic ritual.
2. Spin the Dreidel
The dreidel is a spinning top inscribed with Hebrew letters (Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin) that represent the phrase “A great miracle happened there.” Dreidel games are often played for chocolate coins (gelt) or other small prizes, adding a playful element to the holiday.
3. Feast on Fried Foods
Hanukkah cuisine celebrates the miracle of the oil, so expect plenty of fried delights. Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are holiday staples that are as delicious as they are symbolic.
4. Share Stories and Songs
Hanukkah is a time for families to gather, share the story of the Maccabees, and sing traditional songs like Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages). The holiday is as much about connection as it is about commemoration.
Where to Celebrate
1. Jerusalem, 164 BCE
For the ultimate historical experience, witness the Maccabees’ triumph and the miraculous oil in action. Just be prepared for some chaos—it’s a time of revolution, after all.
2. Modern Jerusalem
Hanukkah in Jerusalem today is a sight to behold. The Old City glows with menorahs in windows, and the streets buzz with music, parades, and the smell of fresh sufganiyot.
3. Anywhere with a Jewish Community
From New York to Buenos Aires, Hanukkah is celebrated worldwide. Local synagogues often host public menorah lightings, making it easy to join the festivities wherever you are.
What to Eat
1. Latkes
These crispy potato pancakes are fried to golden perfection and often served with applesauce or sour cream. Pro tip: the debate over the correct topping is almost as old as Hanukkah itself.
2. Sufganiyot
Pillowy doughnuts filled with jelly or custard and dusted with powdered sugar—because what’s a holiday without a little indulgence?
3. Chocolate Gelt
These foil-wrapped chocolate coins are a dreidel game staple and a sweet nod to Hanukkah traditions.
Fun Facts About Hanukkah
- A Minor Holiday with Major Vibes: In Jewish tradition, Hanukkah is considered a minor holiday, but its joyful customs and proximity to Christmas have given it a prominent place in modern culture.
- Not in the Torah: Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Torah because it occurred after the events of the Hebrew Bible. Its story is told in the Book of Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha.
- The World’s Largest Menorah: Each year, a massive menorah is lit in New York City near Central Park. It’s 32 feet tall and requires a cherry picker to light.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Brush Up on Your Dreidel Skills: Spinning a dreidel isn’t just a game—it’s a chance to win bragging rights and chocolate gelt.
- Pace Yourself: Fried foods are delicious but heavy. Moderation is key if you want to make it through all eight nights.
- Learn the Blessings: Lighting the menorah involves reciting blessings in Hebrew. Practising a few lines in advance will help you join in the ritual.
- Bring a Light Jacket: Even in warm climates, Hanukkah nights can get chilly, and outdoor menorah lightings are common.
Why This Holiday Matters
Hanukkah is a celebration of resilience, faith, and miracles, reminding us that even in the darkest times, light can prevail. Its traditions—rooted in ancient history but alive with modern joy—offer a sense of continuity and community that transcends time. For time travellers, it’s a chance to experience the richness of Jewish culture and the timeless power of hope.
Want to Know More?
Further Reading:
- The Book of Maccabees (Apocrypha)
- Hanukkah in America: A History by Dianne Ashton
- Lights: A Hanukkah Memoir by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Online Resources:
- My Jewish Learning: www.myjewishlearning.com
- Chabad Hanukkah Guide: www.chabad.org/hanukkah
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re lighting a menorah in ancient Jerusalem, spinning a dreidel in 19th-century Poland, or devouring latkes in the present day, Hanukkah is a festival that shines across the ages. It’s a celebration of miracles, perseverance, and the enduring light of tradition.
Pack your appetite and a willingness to embrace the spirit of the season. Hanukkah—and its many joys—await!
