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Chanukkah

December 5–12 · Judaism · Monotheisms

Moveable date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Rededication of the Temple and miracle of the oil that burned for eight days: the light that exceeds its own measure, in the heart of winter.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Progressive lighting of the chanukkiah after sunset, from left to right
·Displaying the lamp at the window
·Playing the dreidel

Traditional foods

·Foods fried in oil: latkes, sufganiyot

Offerings

·The light itself: it is not for practical use

Taboos to respect

·Do not use the lights of the chanukkiah for illumination or work

Associated symbols

Nine-branched chanukkiah · Oil · Dreidel