Hanukkah
Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calender varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel.
A Syrian king, Antiochus, ordered the Jewish people to reject their God, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee. Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated. When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid. Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished.
Jews celebrate Hanukkah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Hanukkah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil and the word Hanukkah means "rededication".
In America, families celebrate Hanukkah at home and it is one of the joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar. They give and receive gifts, decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light the holiday menorah.
Top
Hanukkah Decorating and Entertaining Ideas
- Use fresh evergreens to decorate around the menorah. Place
colorful dreidels and chocolate coins around the table for
kids to enjoy.
- For an elegant celebration take advantage of all places
where candles could be displayed:
- Line a walkway with votive candles in luminaries leading
up to a door.
- Place garland on the mantle with fresh flowers and candles
to beautifully grace your room and make the most of light
by enhancing the fire.
- Float candles and flowers in treasured crystal or silver
bowls to create a fabulous effect.
- Place scented candles with fresh blossoms in each powder
room.
- If an open house is on the agenda and many persons will
be in a room, it is important to give special attention
to the larger display areas such as the front door, foyer,
mantle, buffet or serving areas, powder rooms, windows and
staircase. This will help you get maximum impact because
with many people in a room smaller arrangements placed around
will not be seen at all times. Additionally, by focusing
on a few focal areas in each room, more space is made for
glasses, cups and food plates and there is less chance of
an accident.
- As guests leave, have a vase of loose flowers by the door
and invite them to take one home as a gift.
Top