Bruno Pugh
Hanukkah is often seen through a fog of assumptions, especially by those outside the Jewish faith. Many picture festive lights and gifts, imagining it as a âJewish Christmas.â But the real story runs deeperârooted in resilience, faith, and identity. Letâs clear the misconceptions and find out what Hanukkah truly represents.
Hanukkah Is Not âJewish Christmasâ
Itâs easy to mistake Hanukkah for a Jewish version of Christmas because of the lights and family gatherings. But Hanukkah celebrates a historic victoryâthe reclaiming of religious freedom after oppression. Itâs not about Santa or presents, but about the strength of belief and the endurance of a people who refused to surrender their faith.
The Menorah Has 9 Branches, Not 7
Many confuse the Hanukkah menorah with the seven-branched Temple menorah. The Hanukkah version, called a hanukkiah, has nine branchesâeight for each night of the miracle and one for the helper candle, the shamash. Each flame adds to the growing light and symbolizes hope that increases with time.
Itâs About Religious Freedom, Not Just Miracles
That miracle of oil lasting eight days is commonly known, but thatâs only part of the story. At its heart, Hanukkah honors the Maccabeesâ fight for their right to worship freely. Itâs a celebration of faith over force, which reminds generations that spiritual conviction can outlast even the harshest empires.
Latkes Arenât The Only Traditional Food
Crispy potato latkes may be the star of Hanukkah tables, yet they share the spotlight with sufganiyotâsweet jelly-filled donuts. Both are fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the sacred oil that burned for eight nights. Food becomes memory, and each bite retells the story in its own delicious way.
Gift-Giving Is A Modern, Mostly American Tradition
Contrary to popular belief, Hanukkah wasnât always about exchanging gifts. That custom grew in the 20th century, influenced by Christmas culture in Western societies. Traditionally, children received geltâcoins that carried both joy and symbolism. What began as small tokens of gratitude evolved into todayâs present-filled celebrations.
âDreidelâ Isnât Just A Toy, Itâs A Coded Symbol
Spinning the dreidel seems playful; however, its lettersâNun, Gimel, Hei, and Shinâhide a secret message: âA great miracle happened there.â Long ago, Jews used the dreidel to study Torah in secret under Greek rule. Something that now looks like a childâs game was once an act of quiet defiance and devotion.
Itâs Not A Synagogue-Centered Holiday
Hanukkah unfolds mainly at home, where the hanukkiah glows in windows and families gather for songs and meals. Itâs about bringing light into the world from oneâs own doorstep. While synagogues may host events, the true warmth of Hanukkah lives in the laughter and rituals shared around the family table.
Candles Are Added From Right To Left, But Lit Left To Right
It may sound confusing, but the ritual follows a rhythm steeped in meaning. Candles are placed from right to left on the hanukkiah, yet the newest one is lit first, from left to right. The order reminds celebrants that each night builds upon the last, increasing light and joy.
Hanukkah Isnât In The Torah
Unlike Passover or Yom Kippur, Hanukkah isnât mentioned in the Torah. Its story unfolds later, in the Books of the Maccabees, found in historical texts. That absence doesnât make it less sacredâit highlights how Jewish tradition evolves, by keeping faith alive through the retelling of lived experiences.
Eating Dairy Is A Lesser-Known Tradition
Not everyone knows that dairy plays a quiet role in Hanukkahâs story. It honors Judith, a heroine who used cheese and wine to defeat an enemy general. Her courage mirrors the Maccabeesâ bravery, which is proof that resistance comes in many formsâeven through a shared meal that carries history in every bite.