Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Hanukkah: An eight-day Jewish festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE after the Maccabean Revolt. It is observed by lighting the candles of a menorah (hanukkiah) over eight nights.

Usage

• Hanukkah is used as the name of the specific holiday. It is typically capitalized.
  • Our family gathers to celebrate Hanukkah every year.
  • The story of Hanukkah is about a miracle of oil that lasted eight days.

Advanced Usage

• "Hanukkah gelt": Refers to money, often chocolate coins, given as gifts during Hanukkah.
  • The children received Hanukkah gelt from their grandparents.
• "Hanukkah menorah" (hanukkiah): The nine-branched candelabrum used specifically for the Hanukkah celebration.
  • They lit the first candle on the Hanukkah menorah.

Variants and Related Words

• Chanukah (n): A common alternate spelling of Hanukkah.
  • "Chanukah" is another transliteration of the Hebrew word.
• Festival of Lights (n): A descriptive name for Hanukkah.
  • Hanukkah is often called the Festival of Lights.

Synonyms

• Feast of Dedication: Another name for Hanukkah, referencing the rededication of the Temple.
• Feast of the Maccabees: A historical name referencing the Jewish rebels, the Maccabees.

Related Phrases

• "Happy Hanukkah!": A common greeting used during the holiday season.
  • She called her friend to say, "Happy Hanukkah!"
• "spin the dreidel": Refers to playing a traditional Hanukkah game with a four-sided spinning top.
  • After lighting the candles, the children will spin the dreidel.

Noun

1. (Judaism) an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC