Discover the Light of Hanukkah
Celebrating Tradition and Resilience
Join us in exploring the rich history and vibrant celebrations of Hanukkah, a festival that embodies the spirit of perseverance and hope.
Yeshiva University’s Y-Studs
Y-Studs, or the “Yeshiva Students,” is the all-male Jewish a cappella group from Yeshiva University in Washington Heights, New York. Known for bright harmonies, youthful energy, and ability to connect with their audience, the musical troupe was founded in 2010.
By any measure, “2024 has been incredible.” Now, the year is closing under an unusual constellation of twin stars in the religious firmament. This year is one of those rare times that the first evening of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve occur together.
These are two holidays celebrating the Lord’s miraculous light and power together. Both holidays also fuel meaningful hope in our human spirits. The splendid Hanukkah motto, “A great miracle happened there!“–as described in my Jewish colleague Howard Teich’s essay–certainly applies to both Hanukkah and Christmas.
Because of divergent calendar formulas, this holiday convergence is very rare. Teich points to an historically special twinning of the holidays during the intensely challenging winter of 1777-1778 when General George Washington and his ill-equipped troops camped out in Valley Forge. That convergence of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve gave a much needed boost of divine encouragement.
Read more by clicking the Hanukkah-Christmas Button!
Understanding Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the menorah?
The menorah is a candelabrum with nine branches, used during Hanukkah to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the temple.
Why does Hanukkah last eight days?
The festival lasts eight days to honor the miracle where a small amount of oil kept the temple’s menorah lit for eight days.
What are traditional Hanukkah foods?
Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), both fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends.
What is the meaning of the dreidel game?
The dreidel game is a traditional Hanukkah game played with a four-sided spinning top, each side marked with a Hebrew letter representing the phrase ‘A great miracle happened there.’
