Hanukkah Begins

As part of our December social studies we enjoy learning about how other countries and cultures celebrate winter holidays.  There are so many to choose from it will take us several years to complete them all!

The Story of Hanukkah

   Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Jewish people.  The holiday begins with the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev (December 16, 2014) and lasts for eight days.

   King Antiochus, of Palestine, tried to make all of the Jewish people in his country leave their own religion and follow the Greek religion he did.  Under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, the Jewish people rebelled and after three years of fighting the Greek soldiers were driven away.

   The Macabees wanted to rededicate their temple, but there was only enough sacred oil to light the menorah for one day.  But, through a special miracle, the lamp continued to burn for eight days.  This is why the celebration of Hanukkah is also known as the Celebration of Lights.

   After lighting the Menorah, Jewish families pay games and exchange gifts.  The ancient game of using a four-sided top, known as a dreydl is played and traditional holiday goodies such as "latkes," potato pancakes, are served.