The Jewish festival of Chanukah
If you enjoy deep fried jelly doughnuts and fried potato cakes, then you’ll want to take part in the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, which spans a period of eight days.
Taking place in late November or December, for eight days Jews around the world commemorate the festival of Chanukah by lighting a Chanukiah – a unique nine-branched candelabrum. It is customary to cook oily foods, like doughnuts and fried potato cakes, known as latkes.
The festival takes place during the Hebrew month of Kislev and celebrates the victory of a small band of Jews – known as the Maccabees – against the Syrian Greek army. The battle took place ±2200 years ago in what is now modern-day Israel. “It was a battle for religious freedom during a time of paganism. At this time the Greeks worshipped many gods, while the Jews worshipped just one,” says Rabbi Pesach Fishman of Northcliff synagogue.
The Jews reclaimed their temple, which at this point was under Syrian Greek rule. Upon entering the temple, the Maccabees wished to light the large candelabra to celebrate the miraculous victory. Although only one jug of oil was found, the candelabra remained burning for eight days. It is for this reason the festival is celebrated for eight days. “The miracle of the Chanukah story is a symbol of G-d’s affirmation; it is a symbol of light over might.”
