8 Nights of Celebration: Exploring the Traditions and Meaning of Chanukah

Halacha Moment
Nov 22, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Dec 16, 2024

The Daily Halacha Moment - Chanukah🕎

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

What happened during the times of Chanukah?

Why do we light the Menorah on Chanukah?

Answer:

During the period of the Second Bet Hamikdash, the Greek empire imposed harsh and oppressive decrees upon the Jewish people, aiming to obliterate their religious practices and identity. The Greeks, under the leadership of King Antiochus IV, sought to assimilate the Jewish population into Hellenistic culture, forbidding the study of Torah and the observance of mitzvot (commandments). They desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, defiling its sacred spaces and rendering the pure and holy vessels impure.

In the face of these atrocities, a small group of Jewish warriors known as the Chashmona’im (or Maccabees), led by Yehuda HaMaccabee and his brothers, rose in defiance. This courageous band waged a determined and inspired guerrilla warfare campaign against the vastly superior Greek forces, motivated by their unwavering faith and dedication to preserving their religious heritage.

On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Chashmona’im achieved a remarkable and unlikely victory, reclaiming Jerusalem and purifying the Holy Temple. Upon entering the Temple, they found it in a state of desecration, with the sacred altar and many of the holy vessels defiled. Their most urgent task was to relight the Menorah, the seven-branched candelabrum that symbolized the presence of Hashem. However, their search for uncontaminated oil proved challenging.

After an exhaustive search, they discovered a single flask of pure olive oil, sealed with the unbroken seal of the Kohen HaGadol (High Priest). This oil was only enough to keep the Menorah burning for one day. Despite this, the Chashmona’im proceeded to light the Menorah, placing their trust in Hashem.

Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, long enough for them to press and prepare a fresh supply of pure oil.

To commemorate this miracle and the victory of the Chashmona’im, the Jewish people established the festival of Chanukah. For eight days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev, we light the menorah, adding an additional light each night to remember and publicize the miracle of the oil. The lighting of the menorah is accompanied by prayers of gratitude and songs of praise to Hashem, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and purity over impurity.

The festival of Chanukah also includes customs such as eating foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), playing dreidel (a spinning top game), and giving gifts, especially to children.

The story of Chanukah serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people in the face of adversity. It underscores the importance of preserving one's identity and traditions, even when confronted with overwhelming challenges. [1]

Sources:

[1]. See Gemara, Shabbat 21b; Rambam, Hilchot Chanukah 3:1; Mishnah Berurah 670:1.

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