The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, in honor of the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Holy Temple. Unlike some other Jewish holidays where work is forbidden, there are no restrictions on doing work during Hanukkah. Holiday traditions include: lighting the menorah (candelabra), playing the dreidel game (spinning top), eating gelt (chocolate “gold coins”), cooking and baking delicious food (especially frying in oil), and enjoying the fun of opening Hanukkah gifts.

Celebrating in Northern Virginia

 

 

 

 

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