Hanukkah? Chanukkah? Hanuka?
Traditionally, Hanukkah is considered a minor Jewish festival; however, it’s grown into one of the most beloved Jewish holidays. The Festival of Lights represents joy, warmth, comfort, and a miracle.
The Story of Hanukkah
Over 2,000 years ago the Greek ruler attempted to impose their religion on the Jewish people of the area. Most people assimilated, only to practice Judaism in secret but one group, the Maccabees, wanted to fight back. The small band of enraged Jews fought back and eventually defeated the Greek army in the area and reclaimed their temple. As they cleaned, rebuilt, and reclaimed their temple to prepare for the rededication they discovered that there was only one small jug of oil left to light their Ner Tamid, or eternal light, which would last about one day. As they waited for more oil to arrive, surprisingly the oil burnt for 8 nights!
To honor the miracle, they celebrated – a tradition that we continue today!
How can we Celebrate?
Over the years, Hanukkah traditions have grown to include eating fried food, gift-giving, playing dreidel, eating chocolate, and most importantly, lighting the Hanukkiah.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists up to 24 different ways to spell Hanukkah; however, regardless of your spelling, your resident may prefer a specific version or wish to observe their own unique traditions. Some things to consider:
- Group candle lighting
- Electric, paper, or felt hanukkiahs – open flame is not advised
- Latkes brought in, sharing chocolate gelt, sufganyiot
- Playing dreidel or themed bingo
- Reaching out to the community (Have a Rabbi or Cantor visit or a class of Sunday school kids)
- Hanukkah party
Hanukkiah
The seven-branch menorah, a traditional symbol from ancient times, symbolizes the seven days of the week or the days between each Sabbath.
Meanwhile, the 9 branch hanukkiah represents the 8 nights of Hanukkah and the middle, helper candle, to light the others.
There is also a specific way to light the hanukkiah, learn about that with this video here.
Latkes
Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly filled donuts) are traditional Hanukkah foods because of the symbolism of the oil.
Fried food, however, may not be the best diet choice for all residents – but fear not! Both latkes and sufganiyot can be baked, air-fried, or store bought!
A great recipe for baked latkes can be found on this site and a delicious recipe for baked sufganiyot can be found here.
Dreidel
Players play Dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, using a four-sided top that displays four Hebrew letters; each letter stands for a different word and action in the game. You can learn how to play from this video here!
Dreidel can be a challenge, however, since it requires a good bit of fine motor dexterity so many people opt to play Hanukkah themed Bingo! (Such as with this free printable set.)
You can play both Bingo and Dreidel with traditional Gelt, chocolate coins, or any other edible sweet or countable object.