What Is Hanukkah? A Guide For Jews And Non-Jews Alike
At sundown Sunday, Jews around the world begin celebrating Hanukkah, the eight-day "Festival of Lights." What is it? Patch fills you in.
Hanukah starts at sundown Sunday, which means Jews around the world will spend the following eight days lighting candles and celebrating, while non-Jews will wonder what it's all about and whether they're missing out on something. Patch explains it all for you.
WHAT IS HANUKKAH?
The holiday celebrates the Jews defeating Syrian-Greek oppressors who had tried forcing them to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture. The story has it that, led by Judah Maccabee, they recaptured the holy temple in Jerusalem. Arriving there, they found only enough olive oil to light candles for one night. It lasted for eight nights.
The holiday celebrates the defeat of the oppressors and the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights. The oil has led to the holiday being referred to as "The Festival of Lights."
WHEN DOES IT START? CONTINUE READING: What Is Hanukkah? A Guide For Jews And Non-Jews Alike | Across America, US Patch