The Feast of Chanukah (aka Hanukkah)

The Feast of Chanukah (aka Hanukkah)

Chanukah is held every year on the on different dates.  This year it will be held on 8th December and next year it will take place on 27th November.  In 2014 it will occur on 16th December and in 2015 it will be held on 6th December.

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, which is also sometimes known as Hanukkah or Chanuka, is a festival that celebrates the victory of liberation from religious persecution by the Greeks.  In 167 BC the Macabees led the Jewish victory.  The Macabees returned to the Temple in order to rededicate it and to relight the Menorah, and found just the one small flask of oil, barely enough to relight the Menorah for just the one day and yet somehow the little flask of oil was enough to make the Menorah last for eight days.  12 months later the Jewish rabbis designated these days as holidays during which thanksgiving and praise were to be said; therefore, the celebration lasts for eight days and is also known as the Festival of Lights.  A light should be lit at the entrance to Jewish houses on each night in order to recognize the miracle.

Chanukah is a very joyous and happy festivity.  There are no sacrifices to be made on Chanukah, no eulogies and no fasting.  Friends and family are each given small gifts on each of the eight days of the Feast of Chanukah.

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