The Festival of 🕎 Lights
Hey there, friends! I know it's been a little while since we dove into some healthcare stories, but today I’m excited to mix things up! History plays such a huge role in the lives of our elderly loved ones—and honestly, every day is a new chapter in the making. Fun fact: my dad's side of the family is Jewish! While I’m Christian, I still treasure this part of my heritage. With Hanukkah starting this year, I thought it would be a great time to share some of its history. I hope you find it interesting and maybe even learn something new along the way! Enjoy!
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a significant Jewish holiday celebrating religious freedom and the perseverance of the Jewish people. It commemorates the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid king Antiochus IV in the second century BCE and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the rededicated Holy Temple.
Observed over eight nights, Hanukkah includes traditions like lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot. While not one of the most important religious holidays in Judaism, it has become a meaningful time for Jewish families to celebrate their heritage, especially in places like the U.S., where it often coincides with Christmas. The holiday emphasizes spiritual reflection, family bonding, and the triumph of light over darkness.
The first night marks the beginning of this joyous celebration. Families light the menorah, a special candleholder with nine candles. On the first night, they light one candle along with the "shamash" candle, which is used to light the others. Each subsequent night adds another candle, symbolizing the growing light. Before lighting the menorah, three blessings are recited: the blessing over the candles, the blessing for miracles, and the Shehechiyanu, which is said only on the first night. This marks the start of a festive time filled with reflection, joy, and tradition.
Blessing over the candles (Lehadlik Ner Shel Hanukkah):
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.”Blessing for the miracles (She’asa Nissim):
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.”Blessing for the new month (Shehechiyanu): (Only on the first night)
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.”
After the blessings, the menorah is lit, and families often gather to sing traditional Hanukkah songs, recite prayers, and share special foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). The first night of Hanukkah is a time for reflection, celebration, and the joyous beginning of the holiday. I hope this was an interesting read, and that you learned something new. Enjoy your Happy Holiday whichever you may celebrate and as always Keep that smile Smiling:)