How Do Jewish People Celebrate Hanukkah?

Let us begin with this fact…Hanukkah is not the Jewish equivalent of Christmas! For those non-Jews (and even some Jews themselves), here are some of the basic questions that many have this time of year about the two holiday celebrations. If Hanukkah is not “Jewish Christmas” then what is it exactly?

What about the candles? Menorahs have long been a symbol used in Judaism. It stems from the story that with only one day of oil remaining, the candles burned for eight days. For modern Jewish families they celebrate by lighting the hanukkiah. One candle per night of Hanukkah is lit, just like Hebrew is read…from right to left.

The miracle of the holiday season here in New York and New Jersey is that despite the challenges of this unprecedented year we remain strong together with our families heading into 2021. If you need help with the emotional development of your children, I am here to help. My name is Dr. Steven Sussman…a child psychologist in Mountainside. Happy Holidays everyone.