For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. It’s observed for eight days, this year beginning on Dec 7th (2023).
People light the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches called menorah or hanukkiah. One branch is lighted first which usually is above all, called as Shammash, and is used to light the other eight candles. Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shammash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival.
Last year we did a Hannukah / Christmas party at my home and my friend brought over these traditional potato latkas to represent Hanukkah. Turns out they are very similar to potato patties we make.
Galavant Reflections 