best answer > What religion is Hanukkah?- QuesHub | Better Than Quora
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  • Ethan Walker——Works at the International Criminal Court, Lives in The Hague, Netherlands.

    As a cultural and religious studies expert with a focus on the history of religions and their practices, I have a deep understanding of the significance and traditions associated with various celebrations. One such event is Hanukkah, which is a significant religious festival for the Jewish people. Let's delve into the details of this holiday and its connection to the religion it represents.
    Hanukkah, also spelled as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival that is celebrated annually. It is a religious event that holds great importance within the Jewish community and is observed with various customs and rituals. The festival commemorates the miraculous events that took place during the second century B.C., specifically the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

    The rededication of the Second Temple is a pivotal moment in Jewish history. According to the legend, the Jews, under the leadership of the Maccabees, had revolted against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in what is known as the Maccabean Revolt. This revolt was not just a political fight for independence but also a religious struggle to preserve the Jewish faith and practices from the influence of Hellenism, which was the dominant culture at the time.

    The victory of the Maccabees was seen as a divine miracle, as they were outnumbered and outmatched by the Greek-Syrian forces. Upon reclaiming the temple, they found that only a single container of pure oil remained for the menorah, which was supposed to be kept burning continuously. Miraculously, this small amount of oil lasted for eight days, which was the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil. This miracle of the oil is central to the celebration of Hanukkah.

    During Hanukkah, Jewish families light the menorah, a special candelabrum with eight branches plus one helper candle, known as the shamash. Each night, an additional light is kindled, and the shamash is used to light the others. The menorah is a symbol of the miracle of the oil and serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's resilience and faith.

    Another important aspect of Hanukkah is the tradition of playing with the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top. Each side of the dreidel has a Hebrew letter that stands for the phrase "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham," which translates to "A great miracle happened there." This game is a reminder of the time when Jews had to hide their religious practices and study the Torah in secret, using the dreidel as a diversion if they were discovered.

    Hanukkah is also a time for feasting and enjoying traditional foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), which are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. These foods are not only delicious but also serve as a reminder of the historical significance of the holiday.

    In conclusion, Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil. It is a time for Jewish people to come together, celebrate their faith, and reflect on the importance of religious freedom. The festival is rich in traditions and rituals that have been passed down through generations, and it continues to hold a significant place in the hearts of the Jewish community.

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  • Benjamin Brown——Works at the International Energy Agency, Lives in Paris, France.

    The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.read more >>

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