Historical events that occurred in ancient times tend to lead most people to believe that the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah means freedom of religion, the triumph of Truth, or, more precisely, the need to respect the worship of other people. Violence can not triumph long. The unshakable faith of the Israelites in God endowed them with courage and strength in the struggle for their faith. And the Lord created a miracle, which was reflected in the festival of Hanukkah.
A bit of history
The beginning of events is interpreted by the date more than two thousand years ago during the reign of Alexander the Great. Wise ruler with deep respect for the Jewish traditions and their faith, recognized the autonomy of the state. If Israel lived by the laws of the Torah, then the states won by the great commander became subject to the laws of Greece with its philosophy and sciences.
The rulers who took the baton after the death of Macedonians did not want to reconcile themselves with the dissidents. They wished, by all means, to turn them into their faith. The prohibitions and prosecutions up to the death penalty concerned, above all, observance of the Sabbath commandment, circumcision and coverage of the new month. What happened split the people, and the uprising became inevitable. He was led by Judah Maccabaeus along with his brothers. The difficult confrontation ended in the triumph of justice.
The Israelites did not think sacred temples without the light emanating from Minorah. A miracle of the surviving pitcher with olive oil, which was used to fill the lamp, could only last for one day. But people did not wait a week until they cooked the oil, and lit Minoru. Instead of one day, the lamp emitted light eight days. It was not only a miracle of burning, but also a miracle that marked the victory of the spirit over what seemed to be an irresistible physical force.
Jewish holiday Hanukkah - traditions
Hanukkah is celebrated as a holiday for a week, observing traditions. The beginning of the festival falls on the evening, when the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev comes. When Hanukkah is celebrated, the cold December days become warmer, because in each house it is customary to light candles one after another for eight days. They are all in the same candlestick, designed for eight candles, which is called Hanukia. An additional spark plug is used for ignition. People believe that the light emanating from candles fills the world with good. The luminaire is usually placed in the most prominent place - as a rule, it is a window sill.
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is a favorite holiday for children, because they also have a vacation. Fireworks and candles signify the expectation of a miracle. Children are treated to sweets and give them money. The upbringing side is that children are taught to manage finances from childhood. After all, they receive a part of the money they receive for charity. Another part of the income they can leave to themselves or spend in a children's casino, playing in savivon or dreidl.
What is prepared for Hanukkah is food, the preparation of which is associated with oil. Traditional cuisine for this holiday is not too rich in a variety of dishes. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is famous for donuts with jam and potato pancakes or pancakes (latkes). Donuts are prepared from a brewed dough and necessarily sprinkled with powdered sugar. It is also customary to eat dishes from cottage cheese and cheese. The menu is trying to increase due to other dishes cooked in oil. The best oil in the kitchen, of course, is considered to be olive .
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated not only by the indigenous inhabitants of this country, it is honored by almost everyone who is at this time in Israel, all who believe in miracles.