Hanukkah is the most wonderful time of the year

The smell of delicious Latkes fills my house every year around December as mesmerizing, bright candles burn slowly on the dining room table. My family has nothing but smiles on our faces as we celebrate the beloved holiday of Hanukkah.

There is no other feeling like waking up the morning of the first night of Hanukkah. I am full of anticipation for my favorite holiday throughout the whole day. As my family and I gather around the Hanukkah candles during the first night, I don’t want it to end.

Hanukkah is the most wonderful time of the year for me along with many other Jewish people. The holiday is about being proud to practice Judaism. Despite the religion’s long history of strife, the holiday reminds me how glad I am to be a Jew.

The holiday remembers the Jews’ perseverance over Greek-Syrian oppressors. As the story goes, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes banned Jewish practice and ordered the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. In response, a small army of Jewish people called the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, rose up against this persecution and defeated the larger army of Antiochus. 

But when the Maccabees returned to the temple, it was in shambles. Through all of the debris there, they found a small container of oil, which they thought could only light the menorah for one night. When the light lasted for eight nights, it was a miracle for the Jewish people, thus creating the idea of the eight days of Hanukkah.

This year, Hanukkah starts on Nov. 28 and ends on Dec. 6, which is quite unusual because Hanukkah almost always begins in December. This is because Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar, which says that Hanukkah is on the 25th day of the month Kislev and ends on the second day of the month Tevet.

On top of receiving a gift for every night of Hanukkah, there are also delicious delicacies that come with the celebration.

My favorite food is Latkes, fried potato pancakes. These classic warm Jewish delights, often accompanied with applesauce and sour cream, make my entire year. Eating a freshly made crispy Latke made just right is the pinnacle of human existence.

Sufganiyot, jelly-filled donuts, are also a treat on Hanukkah. The blanket of sugar on top of these donuts isn’t healthy, but will definitely inspire joy.

As Jewish families display their menorahs on their windowsills, it showcases the pride they have in their religion. Even though it is quite rare to spot a menorah through a window, the sight genuinely fills me with joy and reminds me that there are others who love Hanukkah as much as I do.

Hanukkah reminds me what I truly value in my life. As our family gathers around the light of the candles, I am reminded of how grateful I am to have a family to celebrate this special holiday with.