Hanukkah: Menu and Recipes

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah commemorates the military victory of the Jewish Maccabees and their rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The Maccabees

In response to religious persecution and oppression, Judah Maccabee and his four brothers organized a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees. The Maccabees, using guerilla warfare, succeeded to drive the far larger Greek-Syrian army out of Judea. The Maccabees’ victory message that we learn from this miraculous victory was summarized by the prophet Zachariah: "Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit."

The Temple

After the Jewish fighters succeeded to overcome the enemy, they went to Jerusalem to purify the Temple that the Greek-Syrians had desecrated. The purification of the Temple began on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev in the year 165 BCE. According to the Talmud, the single-days-worth of pure oil found in the Temple miraculously burnt for eight days until more pure oil could be brought.

The Celebration of Hanukkah

Menorah

In commemoration of these miracles, a Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Hanukkiah) is lit during each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is the central observance of the festival.

One candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. Thus, on the last night of Hanukkah, all eight candles of the Hanukkiah are lit.

The candles should be lit by a window or door in order to fulfill the commandment to "publicize the miracle." While lighting the candles, blessings are recited and songs are sung.

Games and Gifts

After lighting the Hanukkah candles together, families (and often invited guests) will eat and play games. Dreidel (Sivivon in Hebrew) is a traditional Hanukkah game. The custom of giving Hanukkah Gelt (money) to children has evolved into a gift-giving tradition in many Jewish families today.

Food

Traditional Hanukkah food is oil-rich in commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Potato pancakes (Latkas in Yiddish, Livivot in Hebrew) are a Hanukkah favorite. Hanukkah doughnuts (Sufganiot in Hebrew) are especially popular in Israel.

There is a Hanukkah custom to eat a dairy meal in commemoration of the Jewish heroine Judith (Yehudit). Others like to complement the candle lighting ceremony with a festive meat meal.