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Hanukkah,
is a Hebrew word meaning 'dedication and is celebrated for 8 days
in the Hebrew month of Kislev.
The origins
of Hanukkah are an event that happened 200 years before the birth
of Christ.
A King named Antiochus attempted to have all Jewish persons under
his reign to follow the Greek religion.
Under the leadership of Judah Maccabee there was a rebellion.
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| Llatkes
(potato pancakes) |
After years
of fighting the Maccabees drove the Greek soldiers away.
The Maccabees wanted to rededicate the temple, but were only able
to find enough oil for one day.
Miraculously , the oil lasted eight days, long enough to make new
oil.
An important part of the Hanukkah celebration is the menorah.
This is a candle holder with eight candles and a shammash or servant
candle.
One candle is lit for each night of the Hanukkah.
After the lighting
of the candles, people give gifts to one another, sing and make
merry.
A popular food for Hanukkah is potato pancakes, or latkes, cooked
in oil in honour of the miracle.
Children play
the dreidel game, which is a game played with nuts or gold covered
chocolate coins.
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
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