Hanukkah Around the World
Hanukkah is observed by Jews across the globe, and many cultures put a unique spin on the holiday. Here are a few interesting ways to celebrate!
Syria
Families from Aleppo (Halab), Syria, have a unique tradition of lighting an extra candle each night. On the first night, they light three candles: the Hanukkah candle, the shamash, and an additional candle.
On each subsequent night, one more candle is added than in the usual practice. This custom is primarily observed by Aleppian families of Spanish descent, tracing back to the expulsion of Jews from Spain in
1492 and Portugal in 1497. Many of these exiles sought refuge in Aleppo, and their safe arrival was regarded as nothing short of a miracle. To commemorate this extraordinary salvation, an extra candle is lit on each night of Hanukkah, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance of their survival and the resilience of their faith.
France
In the Alsace region of France, many families use a double-decker menorah with space for 16 lights instead of the standard eight. These special hanukkiyahs feature two rows of candleholders, allowing both a father and his son to light their candles together on the same menorah.
Tunisia (North African Jewish communities)
On the seventh day of Hanukkah, coinciding with the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) of Tevet, the day is taken to celebrate women. The special night is named Chag Habanot, which translates as “Festival of the Daughters,” when it is customary for women to sing, dance and light the night’s menorah candles. Chag Habanot honors Judith and Hannah as well as subsequent generations of strong Jewish women and the vital role that women play in Jewish life.
Mexico
Mexican children play a top-based game called toma todo, which is similar to the version of dreidel that we play, except that the top (or pirinola) has six sides instead of four. And the holiday is not complete without a piñata! Mexican Jews often break a dreidel-shaped piñata filled with Hanukkah trinkets and treats.
Cuba (Latin America)
Move over latkes, “patacones” or twice-fried plantain fritters are a popular holiday treat. Just like latkes, they’re delicious all on their own, or they can be dressed up with all kinds of toppings.
Austria — Romania
It was common for Jews to make menorahs out of potatoes! Each potato was hollowed out, filled with oil and then fitted with a wick to serve as a makeshift candle. Instead of setting up all eight at once, an additional potato menorah was added each night.
Kurdistan
Although Jews no longer reside in Kurdistan, many Kurdish Jews continue to observe two unique customs. The first resembles the tradition of giving gelt, but with a playful twist: A week before the holiday, children lock their room doors, and parents must give them coins to gain entry. The second custom arose from families too poor to afford a proper hanukkiyah as they used eggshells as makeshift cups for wicks and oil.
Israel
In Israel, the annual Hanukkah Torch Relay heralds the start of the holiday. Participants line the route from Modi’in to the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem’s Old City, passing a burning torch handto-hand. The torch is then used to light the giant hanukkiyah at the Western Wall. Modi’in, situated between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is believed to be the hometown of the Maccabees and the site where the Maccabean revolt began.