December is a festive month for many people, with holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all taking place during this month. The majority of Muslim families do not celebrate these holidays, and this leaves Muslim kids wondering what these celebrations are all about. Hanukkah is one of those holidays that are on the calendar, but many Muslims do not know what it is. This article will answer eight common questions about Hanukkah to educate Muslim children about this holiday, enabling them to appreciate and respect traditions that are not part of the Islamic faith.
1. What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated every year on the 25th of Kislev, the third month in the Jewish Lunar Calendar. It lasts eight days.
2. Why is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah marks an important historical moment in Jewish history. In the 2nd Century BCE, a family of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees successfully revolted against the Syrian-Greek Seleucid Empire to reclaim the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This victory is remembered and celebrated as Hanukkah today.
3. Why does Hanukkah last 8 days?
Hanukkah lasts eight days because of the Maccabean revolt. When they successfully reclaimed the Second Temple, they only had a little bit of oil to keep the temple lit. They thought that the oil was just enough for one day, but it ended up lasting eight days. This was enough time for them to find more oil to keep the temple lit. This was considered a miracle and is celebrated through Hanukkah’s eight-day duration.
4. What is a menorah/hanukkiah, and why is it used?
A menorah, also known as a hanukkiah, is the candelabrum (candle-holder) used during Hanukkah. It has nine arms, which allow it to carry nine candles. One of the candles is known as the shamash. It is usually separate from the other candles, often higher or to the side. The shamash is a helper candle used to light the eight other candles every evening. This represents the story of the oil in the Second Temple, and how one day’s supply of oil was able to keep the temple lit for eight days.
5. What is a dreidel?
A dreidel is a small spinning top that children play with during Hanukkah. It has four sides, and each side has a Hebrew letter on it. The Hebrew letters spell out “A great miracle happened there.” When kids play with dreidels, they spin them, and according to whatever side it lands on, they either get nothing, get a little, get everything, or put something in. Kids use candies or other small trinkets to play this game. This is an important tradition during Hanukkah, as it teaches children the history in a fun and engaging way.
6. Is Hanukkah like Eid?
Hanukkah is not like Eid. For Muslims, the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are the main holidays in the religion. For Jews, Hanukkah is not the biggest holiday. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot are all considered the most important Jewish holidays. Hanukkah is important, but not the most important.
7. Is Hanukkah like Christmas?
Hanukkah is not exactly like Christmas, but some traditions, such as gift-giving, are also common. Hanukkah and Christmas celebrate different things, but the two holidays value family bonding time.
8. What do Jewish families do during Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a time for families to spend together. Every night after sunset, they light another candle on the menorah. Families enjoy their time together, playing with the dreidel and appreciating the history behind the holiday. Some families give to charity during Hanukkah, which teaches their children the importance of giving to those in need. They also attend social gatherings in synagogues. Gift giving is common, but not a main part of the holiday. Overall, this holiday encourages spending time with others and appreciating lessons in Judaism.
Hanukkah is a meaningful Jewish holiday that teaches lessons about faith, courage, and gratitude. While Muslim families do not celebrate Hanukkah, learning about it helps Muslim children understand and respect the traditions of others. By understanding different holidays, children can grow in kindness, knowledge, and appreciation for the diversity around them.
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