You celebrate it every year but how much do you know about the story of the Chanukkah? Take this quiz and test your Hanukkah chops!How Much Do You Actually Know About The Story Of Hanukkah?
Quiz: What Do You Know About The Story Of Hanukkah?
Are you familiar with the story of Hanukkah? This Jewish holiday is celebrated every year in December and is also known as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
The story of Hanukkah begins in the 2nd century BCE when the Seleucid Empire ruled over Judea. The Seleucid king, Antiochus IV, outlawed Jewish practices and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing pigs on the altar and erecting a statue of Zeus. A group of Jewish rebels, led by Judah Maccabee, fought against the Seleucids and eventually regained control of the Temple.
When the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah, a candelabrum with seven branches, for one day. However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights. During this time, Jews light a special nine-branched menorah called a hanukkiah, with one candle being lit each night.
Other Hanukkah traditions include playing dreidel, a spinning top game with Hebrew letters on each side, and eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).
Take our quiz to test your knowledge of the story of Hanukkah and learn more about this important holiday in Jewish culture.
FAQs about The Story of Hanukkah
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What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. It is also known as the Festival of Lights.
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What is the story behind Hanukkah?
The story of Hanukkah dates back to the second century BCE when the Jewish people were ruled by the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid king, Antiochus IV, outlawed Jewish practices and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. A group of Jewish rebels, led by Judah Maccabee, fought against the Seleucids and eventually regained control of the Temple. They rededicated the Temple and lit the menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days with only enough oil for one day. This miracle is celebrated during Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah for eight nights.
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How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights by lighting the menorah, which has nine candles. The middle candle, called the shamash, is used to light the other candles. Traditional foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), are also eaten during Hanukkah. Children often play with dreidels, which are spinning tops with Hebrew letters on them. Hanukkah is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and celebrating the miracle of the oil.
