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How do jews celebrate hanukkah?

In: Hanukkah [Edit categories]

Answer:

During Hanukkah, Jews light the Chanukiah (9-branched candle holder) each night, singing, and eating traditional foods such as latkes and jelly donuts. Parties are also common, as well as chocolate coins, called "gelt".
2 candles are lit on the first night, with an additional candle added until all 9 candles are lit on the eighth night. During the candlelighting, 2 blessings are sung (3 on the first night), and often other songs are song after they are lit.

In modern times, gift-giving has become a custom as well, though this is a very new custom (only a few decades old).
In more detail:

At nightfall one candle is added each night, starting from the right and going to the left. Then the candles are lit from the newest one on the left and then one by one to the right.
People light their menorah every night at sundown
Adding one candle for every day, thus on the 8th day 8 candles are lit
Religious people add special Hanukkah additions to their prayers
Al-hanisim (regarding the miracles) in grace after meals and in the thrice daily prayers
Hallel - the thanksgiving psalms during morning prayers
Special Torah reading
A popular Hanukkah game is "dreidel" - a four sided top
Dairy products are popular
Latkes (potato pancakes)
Sufganiyot (donuts)
Various organizations will light huge Chanukiyot (Hanukkah menoras) at conspicuous intersections and other locations
Giving out Hanukkah money (gelt) to children is a popular custom

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First answer by Galileedawn. Last edit by LANA. Contributor trust: 154 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 86 [recommend question].

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