Hanukkah
may be a strictly Jewish holiday, but that doesn't stop non-Jews from
taking part in it to some extent, as even the White House hosts
Hanukkah parties every year. This is mostly
attributed to the fact that Hanukkah takes place just weeks before
Christmas. Thus, the giving of gifts to children and greeting
cards is also quite common during this time.
Though
it is one of the most well-known Jewish holidays in the world,
Hanukkah is in fact considered a minor holiday (religiously
speaking), and therefore businesses are usually open during the
eight-day celebration (except on Sunday). The word itself means
“dedication”, in homage to the Jews who purified the Holy Temple
and lighted the candelabra with a drop of olive oil that miraculously
lasted for eight days. This is celebrated by lighting candles on the
Hanukkah Menorah at nightfall, a candelabrum with eight branches
reserved for meditation, and a raised branch called the shamash
that's used for everyday lighting purposes. Traditional hymns are
sung each night, right after the candles are lit.
Aside
from the candle-lighting ceremony, Hanukkah celebrations include
playing with the dreidel,
or a spinning top with Hebrew characters printed on it. Fried foods
such as sufganiyot
(fried donuts filled with jelly) and latkes
(fried potato and onion pancakes topped with applesauce) are also
served. In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, these foods are
cooked in olive oil.
