oh dreidel Chanukah is the Festival of Lights!
- Hanukkah, also known as the "Festival of Lights" has many different spellings -> Chanukah, Hanukah, Hanukkah, Chanukkah, Chanuka, etc.
- Fried foods are traditionally eaten on Hanukkah to honor the oil in the Menorah that burned for 8 days.
- There is a difference between a Menorah and a Hanukkiah. A Menorah only has seven candle holders while a Hanukkiah has the more often seen nine. Most Jewish families light Hanukkiahs vs. Menorahs.
- The middle candle of a Hanukkiah is called a Shamash.
- Dreidel winnings are often Gelt, chocolate gold coins.
- There are three total Hanukkah blessings! The first night is the only night where all three are recited.
- Sufganiyot are a delicious Hanukkah festive food similar to jelly donuts...recipe here (Tori Avey)!
- Hanukkah is not actually a religious holiday, nor is it considered one of the "major" Jewish holidays like Passover or Rosh Hashanah.
- The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication" in Hebrew. This sure goes along with the story of the Maccabees!
- Along with Sufganiyot, Latkes (potato pancakes) are another popular food eaten during Hanukkah. Recipe here (What Jew Wanna Eat). There are so many ways to customize them...apple sauce or sour cream?
- Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday for activities with kids, check out these Hanukkah crafts (The Spruce Crafts)!
learn more about hanukkah
(My Jewish Learning)