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Eight Nights of Hanukkah
Hanukkah means 'Dedication', and is used as a time for just that - to dedicate remembrance to the bravery of the Maccabees in their victory over the Greeks, as well as the bravery of Jews that have fought anywhere or anytime for the right to practice Judaism. Each successive night of Hanukkah another candle is lit on the Hanukkiah (the nine-branched candleholder), and the blessings are sung (the third blessing is only sung on the first night, the first two are sung every night). The raised center candle is called the shammes, or servant candle, and is used to light all of the other ones.
Okay now, imagine it is the first night of Hanukkah, and your family is all gathered for this occasion. A solemn peacefulness fills the air as the shammes it lit and used to light the leftmost candle of the Hanukkiah. The soft glow reminds you of all that it means to be Jewish as the three blessings are sung. You can listen to them now and read the English translation:
· Read the translations for these blessing here Afterwards the celebration begins as traditional Hanukkah foods are served and gifts are given! Often foods cooked in oil, such as potato latkes, are eaten. This is to remind of the miracle that occured when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Judea. The gifts are dispersed to the children and Hanukkah songs are sung, such as Maoh Tzur, Hanukkah oi Hanukkah, or even the Dreydle Song.. Everyone is smiling and peaceful (and some are even dancing!) as the candle continues to shine as it will for the next eight nights. And each night another candle will be lighted to brighten the glow and remembrance of yourself and your people.
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