Hanukkah Traditions 2022.

Hanukkah has become a very public Jewish holiday all over the world. The fact that it is celebrated between late November and late December in the lunar Jewish calendar, its proximity with the traditions of Christmas might have brought Hanukkah to the forefront of Jewish celebrations. The most important tradition of Hanukkah is the lighting of the “Menora” candles using a Shamash [helper] to light the other candles. On the first night, two lights are lit, on the second three, ending with nine on the last night, for a total of 44 candles. The box of Hanukkah candles has exactly 44 candles. 

There is an exchange of gifts, that are opened after dinner. Special Jewish dishes, such as:   Singing Songs from the psalms. Playing with the Dreidel, during the time when it was forbidden to practice Judaism, hiding their prayer books under it.

“Hanukkah Gelt”  chocolate “coins” is usually given to children to play with the dreidel, and “Fried Foods” (such as latkes (potato pancakes), blintzes, jelly doughnuts, and any fried foods are eaten to commemorate the importance of oil during the restoration of the temple.