Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah) is a Jewish festival marking the miraculous victory of the Maccabees, Jewish freedom fighters, over the Seleucidian Greek occupiers in the year 139 BCE. After recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, they searched for pure oil with which to light the Temple menorah. The amount found was just enough to burn for one day, but miraculously it burned for eight days until more oil could be brought. The eight-day tribute is timed to the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. This year Chanukah starts at sundown on December 25th and ends with nightfall on January 2, 2025.
Joan Weaving shares Chanukah traditions, family memories and yummy recipes. As we gather with family and friends for our winter holiday celebrations this week, let us salute our special foods and the cultural customs that bring us joy and peace.
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