Hanukkah Story and Party Ideas

The word Hanukkah is Hebrew for dedication. Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem in 165BCE after the Maccabees, a group of Jewish fighters, victory over the Hellenist Syrians. This was a big deal because Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, had outlawed all Jewish rituals. Antiochus also made the Jewish people worship Greek Gods. When the Temple was being rededicated there was only enough oil to light the temple lamps for one evening. Instead there was a miracle and the temple lights stayed lit for eight nights until more oil was found. Because of this miracle Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights and it is celebrated for eight days and nights, the same amount of time the temple lights stayed lit. Oil is a reoccurring theme in the Hanukkah celebration due to the lamp oil. 

Foods fried in vegetable oil like Latkes and Sufganiyots, are traditional ways to celebrate at a Hanukkah Party. Latkes are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour that are fried in vegetable oil and served hot with applesauce and sour cream. Sufganiyots are basically jelly doughnuts with no holes, also fried in vegetable oil, and covered with powdered sugar or cinnamon. 

Hanukkah party games like the Dreidel game bring traditional fun to the holiday. The Dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter inscribed on each side. Some great Hanukkah party ideas like decorating the party area with Dreidels, Menorahs, Stars of David and other Hanukkah decorations can really make the Hanukkah celebration special for all your family and friends. 

Hanukkah party supplies such as Hanukkah tablecloths paper plates and napkins are an excellent way to serve Hanukkahs traditional foods. A great tradition to start with your family would be to share in telling the story of Hanukkah. Always remember that Hanukkah is a holiday rich in history and traditions and passing these traditions down from generation to generation is a way to preserve and enjoy this joyous celebration.