Hanukkah

Hanukkah History

Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival celebrated to commemorate the miracle of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The festival holds profound significance for the Jewish community worldwide, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and spirituality over materialism. During Hanukkah, it is traditional to light the menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum) and recite blessings, play the dreidel game, and enjoy traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam-filled doughnuts).

The historical roots of Hanukkah date back to 168 BCE when the Maccabees led the Jewish people to defeat the Seleucid Empire and reclaim their temple. After victoriously cleansing the temple, they found just enough oil to keep the menorah's eternal flame burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days and birthed the Festival of Lights. For Australian Jews, the story of Hanukkah holds a potent message about maintaining religious and cultural identity in a diverse society. Additionally, the celebration fosters unity and togetherness within the community.

In Australia, Hanukkah is observed by many Jewish families and communities with various events and activities. Menorah lightings are held in public spaces such as Federation Square in Melbourne and Martin Place in Sydney, drawing Jewish and non-Jewish spectators. Schools and community centres organize parties, workshops, and concerts to share the joyous spirit of the festival. Hanukkah typically falls between late November and late December, with the specific dates varying according to the Hebrew calendar. Hanukkah allows Australians to rejoice and share in the light of this ancient tradition.

Hanukkah (Begins) facts

• It is customary to eat fried foods on Chanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Among Ashkenazic Jews, this usually includes latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) and doughnuts.
• A popular game during Hanukkah is dreidel. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with one Hebrew letter inscribed on each face/side. These letters are Nun (like N), Gimel (like G), Hei (Like H) and Shin (like Sh). These letters stand for the Hebrew phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, a great miracle happened there, referring to the miracle of the oil.
• In 2010, a group of Australian students claimed the world record for creating the largest chocolate coin to celebrate Hanukkah. The 3.4-meter-wide and 1-ton chocolate gelt coin, a traditional Hanukkah gift, was presented to participants as they celebrated the holiday.
• Many Jewish families in Australia celebrate Hanukkah by personalizing the customs according to their unique backgrounds, blending traditions from European, Middle Eastern, and North African Jewish communities.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Hanukkah

Top things to do in Australia for Hanukkah

• Play a dreidel game, which consists of spinning a special four-sided block with Hebrew letters. Once you're out of game pieces, you can either get a loan or you're out until one person collects all of the game pieces.
• Make latkes and donuts at home. Many recipes can be found online.
• Exchange small gifts with loved ones during Hanukkah. Customary gifts can include gelt (chocolate coins), dreidels, or even books related to Hanukkah.
• Engage in acts of Tzedakah (charity) during Hanukkah by supporting local charities or volunteering at shelters or soup kitchens. This represents the spirit of Hanukkah, which emphasizes giving back to the community.