Hanukkah is celebrated with various festive activities, including:
Lighting the Menorah: Each night of Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit on the menorah until all eight candles (plus the shamash) are lit on the final night. Families gather to recite blessings and sing songs during the lighting ceremony.
Festive Foods: Hanukkah is marked by the consumption of foods fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Traditional foods include:
- Latkes: Potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Other fried foods and dairy dishes.
Gifts and Games: It is customary to exchange gifts during Hanukkah. Children often receive Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) and play the dreidel game, a spinning top game with Hebrew letters representing the phrase "A great miracle happened there."
Clothing and Decorations: People dress in festive clothing, often in shades of blue and white, the traditional colors of Hanukkah. Homes are decorated with Hanukkah-themed items such as menorahs, dreidels, and Star of David ornaments. Many also hang up colorful lights and decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Synagogue Services: Special prayers and hymns, including Hallel and Al HaNissim, are recited during synagogue services throughout Hanukkah.
Hanukkah is a time for joy, celebration, and reflection on the miracles and triumphs of the Jewish people.
