hi everyone I'm Alisha Chanukah is the most popular Jewish holiday in the
United States it falls on a date determined by the Jewish calendar but is
often very close to Christmas making for a natural association between the two
holidays it's also called the festival of lights and commemorates the
rededication of the temple by the Maccabees in the 2nd century BC a
particular toy is associated with Hanukkah do you know which one will show
you the answer at the end of this video Chanukah is one of the most important
Jewish holidays and is one that most people in the United States are very
familiar with the distinctive menorah a candelabra that is kindled as part of
the celebration is commonly associated with the holiday by most people Jewish
or otherwise gift-giving is also sometimes a part of this holiday even
though Hanukkah is not as widely celebrated as Christmas in the United
States it's a holiday that most people are cognizant of and many non-jewish
people who have Jewish friends do participate in it to some extent the
holiday is also sometimes celebrated by secular Jews to keep the holiday season
alive for non-religious reasons the name festival of lights comes from
the story behind Hanukkah according to tradition the lights in the temple were
able to keep burning for eight straight days despite only having enough oil to
keep burning for one day this tradition is remembered today by the lighting of
the menorah this is the Hanukkah tradition with which most non-jewish
people are familiar and the menorah is widely known in the United States as an
emblem of Jewish people a Hanukkah gelt is a small quantity of money
traditionally given at this time of year chocolate coins though they possess no
monetary value have become popular over the years as well and now here's the
answer to the quiz do you know which toy is associated with Hanukkah the dreidel
a particular type of top with which a game is associated is a traditional
activity for children during this time of year the dreidel is very commonly
recognized as a symbol of the Jewish people in the US
how is this lesson did you learn something interesting
are there any holidays with religious significance in your country please
leave a comment in English class 101.com until next time
you