Hebrew Hannukkah Research Paper

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Jewish Holy Day REL/134 9/24/2012 Instructor: Professor Lee Hanukkah celebrates the successful rebellion in the second century B.C.E., of a clan of Jewish freedom fighters called the Maccabees who were led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers. They rose up against Greco-Syrian king Antiochus who forced the Greek culture upon the people in Judea which is now Israel. The Jews were banned from practicing their faith, forcing them to convert to worshipping the god of Zeus, and assuming the Greek way of life. Despite being outnumbered the Maccabees they decided to protect their community and their religion. After years of fighting the Jewish people regained…show more content…
This was needed due the condition that the Hebrew’s found it in. There were statues of Greek gods along with other religious belongings. It has been said that in the temple they found only enough olive oil to burn for a single day but surprisingly all the light continued to burn for eight days. In Hebrew Hanukkah means “dedication”. This holiday helps give gratitude to the group of Jews who believed in their right to religious freedom. Hanukkah is a festive family occasion that is celebrated each night with special foods eating, singing of prayers, playing games, and joyous songs are played. One candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah, two on the second, and so on, until all eight candles are lit. The light represents a symbol, being the strength of God. Most foods prepared are fried in oil; this is symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days in the temple. Some popular foods consumed are latkes (potato pancakes), and sufganiyot (jelly filled donuts). Gift giving is not a part of Hanukkah. The only traditional gift is gelts, which are small amounts of money or foiled covered

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