In just a few days, Jews all over the world will celebrate the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire that took place in 164 BCE. While this ancient festival may seem foreign to many people in America, it’s full of fun and meaningful traditions that are worth learning about and embracing.
At Plan: B Cleaning, we appreciate diversity in Fishers, Indiana and nearby areas. We hope to heighten cultural awareness through our professional cleaning service’s platform. Here’s what you need to know about Hanukkah and its traditions!
The History
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and starts on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a special menorah is lit. Each night, one more candle is added until all eight are burning. Hanukkah is also a time for gift giving and feasting. Families gather to eat fried foods, play games, and exchange gifts. There are many different types of foods eaten during this festival, but latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are the most popular.
The Virtues
Hanukkah has similar traditions to Diwali, and is known as the Jewish festival of lighting lights, during the darkest time of the year. It celebrates rededication, rekindled spirits, hope and determination. Together, the community recollects on stories of the past and commemorates a historical event, as well as the diligence of their loved ones. They cherish these virtues and quality time with family members and friends.
The Decorations
One of the best things about Hanukkah is getting to celebrate by decorating your home with festive lights and dreidels. Of course, there is a special menorah with the appropriate candles for Hanukkah. Some families choose to decorate with other lights, rather than using candles. They often decorate using blue and white, as these colors are significant to the religion and its texts.The tallit, Jewish prayer shawl, is typically made in a white fabric with black stripes and one blue string. This blue fringe is made from a unique blue dye mentioned throughout the Torah. Other religious texts mention the color blue. Hence, the blue and white colors signify Judaism and Hanukkah when decorated.
The Recipes
One of our favorite recipes to make is the aforementioned Hanukkah Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). They are absolutely delicious and are a must try – whether you purchase them or make them. Here is a recipe you can try to taste and also share with your loved ones: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/hanukkah-jelly-doughnuts-sufganiyot-recipe
The batter you will use is the same batter used for cream puffs and éclairs. Hence, there is a very light and airy doughnut taste. But the filling, a spectacular dollop of jelly, can be made with a lot of flavors, as well. This is the perfect combination to satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season!
The Festivities
Activities include lighting the menorah, praying, and cherishing their ancestors. There are dreidel games and contests, as well as several songs to sing along to. There are also lots of delicious snacks, as aforementioned. In addition, there are desserts and chocolates known as gelt, unique disc shaped, coin-like chocolates. There is also gift giving. Most importantly, there is lots of family time. Instead of being celebrated in the Synagogue, Hanukkah is mainly celebrated at home. This reduces formalities and encourages people to slow down, show gratitude, and cherish time with their loved ones! No matter how you spend Hanukkah or your holiday of choice, Plan: B Cleaning is here to take chores off of your plate, so you can enjoy such activities!
Contact Us!
Let us help you clean! You do the holiday decorating, we’ll do the cleaning! If you are looking to hire a cleaning service to treat yourself or your loved ones this Hanukkah or holiday season, you know who to call!
We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service with Plan: B Cleaning. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy the holiday festivities in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.
