Number 31: Chanukah is a Jewish celebration which starts on the evening of the 25 day of Kislev in the Hebrew Calendar corresponding to late November or December in the Gregorian calendar.

Also known as the Festival of lights,  Chanukah is an eight day Jewish Holiday that commemorates the redemption during the second century BCE of the Second Temple in Jerusalem where, according to legend, Jews had risen up against their Greek- Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Miraculously oil required to burn continuously in the Temple, sufficient to last one day lasted eight days and could keep the light in the Temple burning until newly pressed oil could be produced.

The Chanukiah or Menorah has 9 branches. One branch is called the ‘Shammash’ (attendant) and is used to light the other candles. Each night one additional candle is lit by the Shammash until all 8 are lit.

To celebrate Chanukah we traditionally eat food made  with oil , for example doughnuts and / or potato latkes. It is a happy Festival and traditional  Hebrew songs are also sung.

I have been collecting Chanukiot (plural of Chanukiah) for many years. Some are in brass, some in silver, some modern, some traditional. The most meaningful Chanukiah is the brass one l saw all the years growing  up in my parents’ home and which is now part of my collection of Chanukiot.

Written by Sheryl