Chanukah

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Among these traditions there are more modern traditions, like gift-giving. Gift giving is not an original part of Chanukah; it came about in recent times. Due mostly to its proximity to Christmas, Chanukah, has adapted to modern times and formed these new traditions. Gift-giving on Chanukah starts on the first day, with a small gift and every night a more significant or even valuable gift is received; on the eight night the best present is received, usually by a child. Since Chanukah is based on the Jewish months, it never falls on the same day; but it will always fall near the end on the year or close to Christmas. Chanukah falls near Christmas and because of this, it has acquired some Christmas type traditions, some say to compete with Christmas. For example, the Chanukah bush is a total American tradition associated with Christmas and by some opinions a bit controversial. One side thinks the Hanukkah bush is an American tradition

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and cute way to demonstrate Chanukah; also for interfaith marriages, it’s a nice way to keep both sides satisfied. The other side thinks the Hanukkah bush is helping to lead Jewish families away from original traditions and more towards Christmas, those see it as an intense battle between Christmas and Chanukah. The Jewish people have been deprived from their religion in various occasions, thus keeping it separated and original to some is exceedingly important (The timeless question). An even more recent phenomenon is the menorah tree, a tree in the shape of a menorah decorated with lights and Chanukah ornaments. All the flashy Chanukah decorations are not traditional and unlike Christmas they are original to America and are not worldwide. Also for the first time in a long time Chanukah is on the same day as Thanksgiving! This rare occurrence happens almost never and for the first time Chanukah and Thanksgiving are merging to what some people call “thanksgivukkah.”

Israel is the world’s only Jewish state, meaning a majority of the population is in fact Jewish. Therefore, there is no assimilation like there is in America and the way Chanukah is celebrated tends to be different. One major difference, which was already discussed as an American tradition is the gift-giving. In Israel gift-giving is not practiced, rather children receive “gelt” chocolate gold coins. The dreidel is played in Israel but instead of the Hebrew words on the sides spelling out “a miracle happened there” they spell out “a miracle happened here.” The Israelites still light their menorahs, singsongs, say prayer, and see shows on Chanukah. Another difference is, since the majority of the population is Jewish, schools are closed during the holiday and many people visit Jerusalem where the miracle happened. One interesting event

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that happens in Israel during the Chanukah season is a marathon. The race is run from the city of Modi’in to the Holy temple in Jerusalem all while holding a torch. At the end of the race is an immense Menorah waiting to be lit, can’t get more festive then that (Avraham).

Walking through Israel during Chanukah is a sight to see, in every possible corner there is a light and that light comes from the menorah. There are vendors out in the streets, the malls, and every public place one can imagine selling fried foods, specifically sufganiyot. There are whole stores dedicated to selling foods for Chanukah, something difficult to find here in America. Though we sell a lot more of a variety of knickknacks and decorations for Chanukah, the presence Chanukah is increased due to the high concentration of Jews in Israel. Also huge productions that tours the country and sing Chanukah songs can be found in Israel. Festivals are found all throughout Israel, with tons a food and cheery people thankful to the Maccabees for restoring their country from the evil forces. Aside from the high Jew population, Chanukah is more appreciated in Israel because the miracle happen there, and the people that live there couldn’t be more grateful.

Chanukah is not only fun but also has tons of meaning and history behind it. Chanukah gives the message to stand up for yourself; don’t let anyone tell you what do or say or not say. Religion is not meant to be messed with and everyone has a right to freedom of religion, probably a reason why lots of Jews migrated to America. God has a way to make a situation play out for the better even when it looks like the worst has been done; this message is clearly conveyed in the history of Chanukah. Both sides to the topic of assimilating to America have

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their good points and they are free to choose how to celebrate their religion, Hanukkah bush or no Hanukah bush. The Jewish people against the assimilation of American traditions, such as those coming from Christmas, are just trying to preserve their religion. The celebrating of Chanukah in America and Israel are definitely different but the people are the same. In my opinion, the best way to retain all aspects of a certain religion or a specific holiday is to travel. Every piece of the world has a different point of view or way of performing something, the only way to truly know is to physically be there.

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Works Cited

Avraham, Rachel. Celebrating Hanukkah with Israel. 2013. web. 23 november 2013. .

Jewish outreach Institute. How we celebrate. 2008. web. 22 novemeber 2013. .

Kazen, Rabbi Yosef Y. Chabad.org. 1993-2013. web. 23 november 2013. .

Rich, Tracey R. jewfaq.org. 1993-2007. web. 23 novemeber 2013. .

The timeless question: consolidate or integrate?; Faith. 31 dec 2005. academic onefile. web. 23 november 2013. .