Hanukkah or Chanukah: what is it ... what does it mean?

For the estimated 313,000 people who live in the United Kingdom, Hanukkah is a moment for like-minded Jewish people to remember their story; the sacrifices; the hope. It is estimated that around 10,000 people who describe their faith as Jewish live in Yorkshire.

placeholder image — For the estimated 313,000 people who live in the United Kingdom, Hanukkah is a moment for like-minded Jewish people to remember their story; the sacrifices; the hope. It is estimated that around 10,000 people who describe their faith as Jewish live in Yorkshire.

Hanukkah is a religious festival observed by members of the Jewish community. At its heart is the reclamation of Jerusalem and the rededication of the temple.

Hanukkah - also Chanukah - occurs each December and is observed for eight days and nights. It is a festival of lights, with the lighting of candles placed in a menorah a centrepiece of the tradition.

As candles are lit, often very humble wax candles, blessings are given before each candle is lit.

For the estimated 313,000 people who live in the United Kingdom, Hanukkah is a moment for like-minded Jewish people to remember their story; the sacrifices; the hope. It is estimated that around 13,000 people who describe their faith as Jewish live in Yorkshire.

Over the course of several days comes song, music and joy along with food, chatter and prayers. The Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) suggests that almost 90 per cent of British Jews participate in the lighting of candles ceremonies known as Hanukkah.

The Chanukah story is inextricably linked to the DNA of the Jewish people, and anchored to the story of Israel. Even today, again, according to research done by the JPR, 49 per cent of British Jews feel ‘very attached’ to Israel. Four in five British Jews say they feel Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, and support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.