HANUKKAH VOCABULARY (ESL)

level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrated for eight nights usually in November or December. This exercise covers the key vocabulary associated with Hanukkah and its traditions.

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1. Hanukkah (sometimes spelled Chanukkah) is an important Jewish holiday. Many see it as a celebration of Jewish national (survive/survival) and freedom of religion.

2. The holiday commemorates the Maccabees' revolt and (win/victory) over the Greek-Syrians and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it had been (discouraged/desecrated) by the king of Syria.

3. Hanukkah, also known as the "Festival of Lights", begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, and (grows/lasts) for eight days.

4. The most important religious (observance/absolution) is lighting candles on a "menorah" (which holds nine candles).

5. This lighting of the candles (one per day for eight days) is done to commemorate the "eight-day miracle" - After the Temple was rededicated there was only enough oil for the candles to (burn/light) for one day, but miraculously, they (burned/lit) for eight days.

6. There are special blessings/prayers which one should (receive/recite) while lighting the candles.

7. Traditional games (like the spinning-top "dreidel") and songs (dealing with Hanukkah-related themes) are also important parts of the (celebrity/celebration).

8. (Exchanging/Changing) gifts is another popular Hanukkah tradition.

9. There are also some foods associated with Hanukkah - These (vary/diversify) according to tradition. Some well-known ones are potato pancakes ("latkes"), foods fried or baked in oil, and home-made donuts.

Hanukkah Conversation Questions 1. What do you know about Hanukkah? Had you heard of it before?
2. Are there any festivals of light celebrated in your culture? How are they observed?
3. What winter holidays are celebrated in your country? How are they marked?
4. Do you think it is important to learn about holidays from other cultures? Why?
5. What is your favourite holiday or celebration, and why?

Did you know? Hanukkah commemorates events from 165 BCE when the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple. According to tradition, there was only enough oil to light the Temple menorah for one day — but it burned for eight days miraculously, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights.

The word Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew for "dedication." The nine-branched candelabrum is called a Hanukkiah — eight branches for each night, plus one shamash (helper candle) used to light the others.