Editing Hanukkah: Celebrate the Festival of Lights (section)

== Traditions and Customs During Hanukkah 2024 ==
The celebration of Hanukkah is rich with meaning and tradition. Here are some of the most popular customs and rituals observed by Jewish families during '''Hanukkah 2024''':

=== 1. Lighting the Menorah ===
The central ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah. On each night, families gather to light one additional candle. The '''shamash''', the extra candle, is used to light the others. The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the miracle of the oil and serves as a reminder of the Jewish people’s perseverance and faith.

=== 2. Eating Fried Foods ===
One of the most delicious traditions of Hanukkah is the enjoyment of fried foods, particularly '''latkes''' (potato pancakes) and '''sufganiyot''' (jelly-filled doughnuts). These foods are fried in oil, symbolizing the oil miracle that occurred during the time of the Maccabees.

=== 3. Playing Dreidel ===
The dreidel is a spinning top that is traditionally played with during Hanukkah. Each of the four sides of the dreidel bears a Hebrew letter: '''Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin''', which stand for the phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" (A Great Miracle Happened There). The game is often played with coins or gelt (chocolate coins), and it is a fun way for families to engage in a lighthearted activity during the holiday.

=== 4. Giving and Receiving Gifts ===
While Hanukkah is not as gift-heavy as other holidays like Christmas, exchanging gifts is a common practice. Some families give small presents to each other every night of Hanukkah, while others choose to give a single larger gift. '''Hanukkah gelt''', or money, is often given to children, especially in the form of chocolate coins.

=== 5. Reciting Prayers ===
During Hanukkah, special prayers are recited. The '''Hallel''' (praise) prayer is sung in synagogue, and the '''Al HaNissim''' prayer, which thanks God for the miracles of Hanukkah, is added to the daily prayers. Families also recite the '''Blessings over the Candles''' before lighting the menorah each night.