Exploring the Unconventional Name- What Do Jews Call Their Christmas Celebration-
What is Jewish Christmas called?
The Jewish holiday that is often associated with the festive spirit of Christmas is known as Hanukkah. While Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrian-Greek Seleucid Empire. Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of lights, celebrated for eight nights and days, with a series of rituals and traditions that include lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying festive foods.
Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is observed by Jewish people around the world, and it typically falls in December, coinciding with the Christian holiday. However, the date of Hanukkah varies each year because it is based on the Hebrew lunar calendar. Despite its proximity to Christmas, Hanukkah is a distinctly Jewish holiday with its own unique customs and symbols.
The most iconic symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a candelabra with nine branches. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit, and each subsequent night, an additional candle is lit, until all eight candles are burning on the eighth night. The menorah is typically placed in a window or a public space to symbolize the light that overcomes darkness and to spread the message of freedom and joy.
Another central ritual of Hanukkah is the playing of dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is played with gelt, which is money or chocolate coins, and the goal is to accumulate as much gelt as possible. Dreidel is a fun and interactive way to celebrate Hanukkah and reinforce the values of luck, faith, and tradition.
Festive foods are also a significant part of Hanukkah. Traditional Hanukkah dishes include latkes, which are potato pancakes fried in oil, and sufganiyot, also known as jelly doughnuts. These sweet treats are often eaten during the holiday as a reminder of the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.
Hanukkah is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. While it is not a holiday that celebrates the birth of a religious figure, it is a time for Jews to come together, reflect on their heritage, and appreciate the religious freedom that they enjoy today.
In conclusion, Jewish Christmas is called Hanukkah, a holiday that holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish people worldwide. With its unique customs, rituals, and symbols, Hanukkah is a time for joy, celebration, and the sharing of love and light.
