Did You Know?
(Chanukah)

Did you know that the eight-day holiday of Chanukah falls anytime between the middle of November and the beginning of January? The date fluctuates because Chanukah is set according to the Jewish calendar, which is lunar-based. The holiday of Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Did you know that Chanukah is one of the least religiously significant holidays in the Jewish calendar? The principle holidays of the Jewish faith include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot. Due to its proximity to Christmas, however, Chanukah has taken on greater prominence in the last century.

Did you know that giving gifts is not a tradition historically associated with Chanukah? Again, the proximity to Christmas has rubbed off on Chanukah celebrations -- commercially speaking, at least.

Did you know the Chanukah story is not written about in the Torah. The principle event of the holiday, the battle between the Maccabees and the Greeks, is post-Biblical. It happened several hundred years after the Torah is believed to have been given to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai.

Did you know that the word Chanukah in Hebrew means "dedication." The name recalls the Maccabees' rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after they won their battle with the Greeks for control over their holy site.

Did you know that the menorah is actually a seven-branched candelabra? Calling the nine-branched candelabra used on a Chanukah is a misnomer; it is actually called a chanukiah.

Did you know that the wax of the Chanukah candles (or some people use oil) should be sufficient to burn at least 30 minutes after the stars come out? The light of the candles is intended to "publicize" the miracle of Chanukah, which is why they are traditionally lit next to a window.

Did you know that Chanukah is referred to as the Festival of Lights? Chanukah begins four days before the new moon, which is the darkest night of the month. Kislev, the month in which Chanukah takes place, is also close to the winter solstice, which is the longest -- and darkest -- month of the year. The only ritual associated with Chanukah is lighting the candles on the chanukiah. Like many other faiths, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah brings light into the darkest time of the year.

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