Chanukah - one of the most famous religious festivals of the world.They know about it, not only Jews, but also representatives of other faiths.However, there are people who will not be able to answer the question: "Chanukah?What is it? ยป
date
celebrating Jewish holidays in December entirely of Hanukkah.Total celebrate eight days (why so - on).However, the main still considered the first day.This is similar to the Christian holiday of Easter.It also notes from the day of the resurrection of Christ, plus another week adhere to the traditions of the resurrection.
In our calendar change numbers are assigned to Hanukkah.Date for 2015: December 7.
history
the question: "Hanukkah - what is it?" Any Jew will tell you that it is - the festival of light.On this day in their main sacred place, the Great Temple of Jerusalem, back lit candles.It became a symbol of the liberation of the Jews from the Syrian yoke.
The fact is that while the Jews lived under the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.Many of them abandoned their faith and adopted Hellenic customs.Most tip of the Jewish aristocracy - and that changed their cultural orientation.
There are very few true precepts of the Torah, and one of these people has become sort of the Maccabees.They staged a guerrilla struggle, until, finally, the head of the rebellion did not call all to liberate Jerusalem and, most importantly, the Temple.
breaking out of the holy city, the Syrians, the guerrillas as the first case decided to start the service.In the temple they did not exist three years, and all three had not lit the menorah, which means - the house stood in darkness.Lighting the first candle lighting and the main Jewish shrine and began to carry the name "Day of Hanukkah."
name
Hanukkah - that word mean?Where it went is the name for the Jewish holiday?On these issues, there are two possible answers.
The first says that the name comes from the expression "hanukkat ha mizbeah", which means "renewal of the altar."In the context of the festival, this means that in the three years to the shrine for the first time fell the light, and they were purified by prayer and sacrifice.
Supporters second version convince us that the etymology lies elsewhere: the word "Hanukkah" is deciphered as "the twenty-fifth day of the rest of the enemies."The fact that the liberation of Jerusalem went on for almost a month.At the twenty-fifth day, the rebels made their way to the center - ie the occupied Temple, thus freeing the entire city.Enemies around no more, and the Jews were able to give yourself a break.And most importantly - spend the first three years of a religious rite.
Menorah
All the people saw the candlestick of seven barrels, which is in every house and even a Jew on the emblem of an independent Israel.These coasters - copies of this menorah, which was once brought from Jerusalem, the Syrian king.The most important element of Hanukkah is the menorah.She got almost all the national festivals of the Jews.
Prior to that, she appeared among the Jews at the time of wandering with Moses, and has since had to symbolize the memory of those times.
It is with the lighting of the menorah, more precisely, its subspecies, and Hanukkah begins.Candlesticks come in various sizes and performance.It combines their shape.
Chanukia
Chanukia - a subspecies of the menorah, a candlestick with nine stems of the same shape.The tradition of its use is complex and interesting.
point is the so-called "miracle of Chanukah."When the Jews came into the house, they did not have a sacred oil to light the candles.Also, it is absent in most shrine.Break all, they found only one jar, which should be enough for one day burning menorah.
However, the incredible happened - the fire continued to hold eight days until new oil the Jews did.In honor of this miracle and lit Chanukah, and in a special way.
On the first day of the holiday light a candle in the middle, which is the ninth.The same is done with the first.Ninth will now be used as a "gift of fire."With it, and will light the new candle.Every day they are added, until it reaches the place of candles.It takes eight days of Chanukah.This tradition - a symbol of the miracle that happened in the Jerusalem Temple.
Traditions and rituals
Hanukkah - what kind of holiday?He has a lot of tradition.National holidays are always filled with customs and rituals passed inheritance previous generations.The first of them - a laborious process and the ritual of lighting the menorah.It should take place every Jew, and every one of them has to follow the tradition.Just Chanukah lights in any public place - this shows that today a great week and reminded of this other world.
In addition, near the lights should sit for half an hour, praying and thinking about his place in the world, contemplating and plunging into the essence of the holiday - the release.
Unlike many religious Jewish holidays, Hanukkah allows.But most of the Jews still prefer to leave work for a deep study of the Torah.It is believed that these days its understanding and reading becomes more profound.
In addition, the rabbis supposed to go to a remote village and village to bring Jewish wisdom and there.Thus, residents of even the most remote communities have the opportunity to socialize with prominent Jewish theologians.
The holiday is necessary to attach the children to the Torah.Especially for this was even invented a game in which you roll the dice with a capital of proposals scripture.It is believed that in this way the children unconsciously ascribe themselves to the study of the sacred books.
optional but desirable to gather the whole family for a big family dinner.For him it is important to not discuss worldly affairs, and various religious themes, to recall passages from the scriptures.Since the Torah has many interpretations, is a great way to find time for debate and discussion.On a similar dinner should leave all disputes.Those who are at odds, are obliged to make peace.
Generally, in these days Jew must try to present their faith to others.It is believed that on this holy feast of the Jews have the opportunity to explain to the rest of the advantages of his religion.
Conclusion
So, Hanukkah - is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar.One can hardly imagine a modern Judaism without it.After all, in different parts of the Earth celebrated Hanukkah in Moscow, Jerusalem, New York or Berlin.
However, the most interesting thing in these days - it is them, if I may say so, areligioznost.It's probably the biggest Jewish holiday, far from the sacred meaning and having a true historical value.
Throughout its existence the people to the Promised Land and the oppressed had no freedom.Power over him had many.Therefore it is very important for the Jews to know that they are able to fight against this injustice.
Hanukkah can be taken in isolation from Judaism, even if you're just an ethnic Jew.It is, first of all, the feast of liberation, the holiday of freedom and light in the darkness.
