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Saturday, November 16, 2024

Hanukkah: A Festival Filled with Tradition and Symbolism

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Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva | Yeshiva University

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva | Yeshiva University

Every year on December 25th, Christians worldwide commemorate Christmas, while Jews celebrate Hanukkah, a holiday with deep historical roots. Professor Kong Muren explains that Hanukkah is a time of family reunion, symbolized by the lighting of candles on a menorah for eight consecutive days.

Hanukkah holds significant cultural importance, with the menorah representing Judaism's history and the desire to return to Israel. Professor Kong Muren highlights the resilience of the Maccabean rebels in their fight against the Seleucid oppressors, culminating in the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom.

The traditions of Hanukkah, as described by Professor Kong Muren, reflect a celebration of light and hope. The lighting of candles each night for eight days symbolizes a miraculous event that occurred during the Maccabean rebellion in 164 BC, demonstrating the resilience and faith of the Jewish people.

Furthermore, Hanukkah has evolved into a family-oriented holiday, emphasizing togetherness and joy. Professor Kong Muren notes that the festival has become a time for families to gather around candles, fostering a sense of warmth and unity.

In addition to its symbolic rituals, Hanukkah is also marked by traditional foods and games. Olive oil, a central element in the holiday's history, is used in dishes like latkes, enjoyed by participants of the Sino-Jewish Dialogue with Professor Kong Muren and his family.

The celebration of Hanukkah extends to fun activities such as the dreidel game, which holds cultural significance for Jewish children. This game, as explained by Professor Kong Muren, reflects historical contexts and provides an engaging way to pass down traditions.

As Professor Kong Muren emphasizes, Hanukkah is a festival rich in tradition and symbolism, offering a glimpse into the resilience and cultural heritage of the Jewish people.

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