Happy Hanukkah!

As we kicked off the introduction to our new unit on Judaism, it seemed fitting to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah that was taking place last week through Sunday. Hanukkah, חֲנֻכָּה, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish Holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew Calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December. It is sometimes called the miracle of Hanukkah because the menorah was to be lit for eight days but there appeared to be only enough oil for one night, however, the menorah stayed lit for the entire eight nights. 

We observed this holiday by lighting five candles (because Friday marked the 5th night) on the menorah. Our class ate potato latkes, cheese and blueberry blintzes, and tried gelt. All the while listening to traditional Hebrew song. Enjoy the photos from below.