What is Hanukkah?
View a PDF of our Guide to Hanukkah for Interfaith Families
Hanukkah is a holiday that commemorates the Jewish recapture and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE. It’s celebrated for eight days and usually falls in December. The traditional observances of Hanukkah are lighting a menorah, or ceremonial candelabra, spinning a top called a dreidel and eating fried foods. Though it is religiously minor, Hanukkah is a popular holiday. It’s a happy festival in the winter, so it provides what seems to be a universally needed break from the dark and cold. It’s a holiday about Jews winning a war, which is not the usual subject for a Jewish holiday. The third reason is obvious: for Jews in Christian culture, Hanukkah is the closest Jewish holiday to Christmas.
Table of Contents
- What is Hanukkah?
- Symbols and Observances of Hanukkah
- Traditional Foods of Hanukkah
- Hanukkah, Christmas and Your Interfaith Family
- Some Specific Approaches for Interfaith Families Use For Hanuakkah and Christmas
- To Tree or Not To Tree
- Parenting During the Holidays
Other Hanukkah Resources
Author: 18Doors
18Doors is here to support interfaith couples and families exploring Jewish life. We offer educational content; connections to welcoming organizations, professionals and programs; resources and trainings for organizations, clergy and other program providers; and our Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship provides offerings for couples in cities nationwide. If you have questions, please contact info@18doors.org.
