Hanukkah is a Jewish festival which is mostly referred to as the ‘festival of light’ or the’ feast of dedication’ or ‘feast of the Maccabees’. This festival begins on Kislev 25, in December according to the Gregorian Calendar, and is commemorated for eight long days. If you look at the rich history of Hanukkah, how it is celebrated, and what each tradition symbolizes, you may learn many things that would surprise you. To celebrate the miracle that happens in the second century BC, Jewish families all over the world, a light menorah for eight days. If you want to know how people celebrate this festival, Palos Verdes Montessori teachers suggest you read the whole blog post.

Lighting Hanukkah Candles :

Lighting the menorah or the Hanukkah is the most significant tradition of this festival. Most of the Jewish families would have these candles at their homes. But you may see Jewish communities or organizations light up larger menorahs and display them in public places.

Playing Dreidel

If you are wondering what Dreidel means, it is a four-sided spinning toy with a Hebrew letter on each side of it. According to the Jewish tradition playing with Dreidel during the Hanukkah is one of the common ways to celebrate the festival. As per the history behind this festival, before the Maccabean revolt, the Jews were not allowed to study the Torah. So they would read the holy text on the pretense of gambling with the spinning dreidels.

Preparing fried foods :

Many children in Child Care Torrance CA eat fried foods during this festival as eating fried foods is considered to be symbolic of the oil used to light the menorah.

Would you like to know what are the traditional Hanukkah dishes?

Latkes, Brisket, Kugel, Jelly-filled Donuts, and Hanukkah Gelt are the traditional Hanukkah dishes.

Reciting Hanukkah Blessings :

People recite Hanukkah blessings before they light up the Menorah. There are three blessings and the Hanukkah candle lighting service involves reciting all these blessings on the first night. Only the first and second blessings are to be recited for the next seven days.

Hanukkah candles hold some messages for people. What are those? Please continue reading to know about the messages.

• Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right : Judah Maccabee and his community confronted a lot of odds but still, they did not lose hope and stand for their rights.
• Always be kind and try to multiply your goodness : At Hanukkah, one candle is lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on. Like this try always to be kind and increase your kindness.
• A little light goes a long way : Be like a candle and try to enlighten everything around you.
• Take it to the streets : Hanukkah teaches everyone to shine brighter and remove all the darkness.
• Don’t be ashamed to perform mitzvahs : Never feel shy or ashamed to perform any good deed for the betterment of the world.