Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish 8-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (chabad.org).

Be sure to the read the Bible Gateway Blog guest post, The Mysterious Festival of Hanukkah by Michael Norten, author of Unlocking the Secrets of the Feasts: The Prophecies in the Feasts of Leviticus (Thomas Nelson, 2015).

Norten says, “The purpose and the traditions of this festival are so intriguing, that Christians should appreciate Hanukkah more than a passing acknowledgment of the season. Jewish celebrations are packed full of meaningful rituals and observances, which serve as wonderful illustrations of spiritual truths. When the traditions point in some way to Jesus, Christians should especially take note.”

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