This year, Chanukah will be celebrated from December 2-9. The eight-day holiday is actually a celebration of several miracles. In 175 B.C., Israel was part of the Greek Empire ruled by Syria. The king banned all Jewish observances until a small group of rebel Jews, in 164 B.C., recaptured Jerusalem. A celebration lasting eight days followed and a menorah was lit, but there was just enough olive oil to keep it lit for one day. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days, and in remembering that miracle, Jewish people eat potato latkes and jelly doughnuts, which are fried in oil, during the eight days of Chanukah. Games are also played during Chanukah, including the dreidel game. A dreidel is a top that has four sides, and on each side is a Hebrew letter. Players spin the dreidel and gain or lose depending on which letter is face up.
Tourists Traveling in Jerusalem During Chanukah
Since Chanukah is not a holiday that is ordained by the Torah, most businesses will be open and operating as usual. Take a walk in the early evening through the neighborhood called Mea She’arim. This is an ultra-Orthodox area and there will be a beautiful sight of hundreds of lit menorahs that are in the windows of the homes. Food is also a big part of Chanukah, so try some of the traditional foods. Jam-filled sufganiots are similar to doughnuts, and potato fritters are also popular.
