A Chanukah Glossary
Al HaNissim: lit. "and for the miracles"); the opening phrase of a passage included in the daily prayers and the grace after meals on Chanukah and Purim, thankfully acknowledging the miracles G-d wrought on those days
Antiochus IV Epiphanes: (2nd century BCE) Greek-Syrian emperor who desecrated the Holy Temple and enacted laws against Jewish practices during the Second Temple era. The Maccabees fought, and miraculously defeated his armies. The miracle 8634 of his defeat, and the subsequent re-dedication of the Temple, is commemorated on Chanukah.
Beit Hamikdash: the Holy Temple in Jerusalem
Chanukah Gelt: (Heb. Yiddish, lit. "Chanukah money"); Money gifts given on Chanukah
Chanukah (Hanukkah): (lit. "re-dedication"); eight-day festival beginning on 25 Kislev, celebrating the Maccabees'; recapture of the second Temple from the Syrian Greeks, and its re-dedication, marked by the kindling of lights on a menorah or chanukiah
Chanukah Sameach: (Heb., lit. "happy Chanukah"), traditional holiday greeting
Chanukiah: The eight-branched menorah (candelabra) kindled on Chanukah commemorating the miracle of Chanukah
Chashmonaim: Hasmoneans, priestly family who led the Maccabee armies in the battle against the greeks
Dmei Chanukah: (Heb. lit. "Chanukah money"); Money gifts given on Chanukah
Dreidel: Yid. Spinning top on which are inscribed the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, heiand shin, an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, "a great miracle happened there"
Freilachen Chanukah: (Yid. lit, "happy Chanukah"), traditional holiday greeting
Hallel: (lit. "praise") A portion of Psalms (113-118) recited in the prayer service on the festivals and on Rosh Chodesh
Haneirot Halalu: (lit. "these flames") Traditional prayer sung after the lighting of the Menorah.
Kislev, Month of: Hebrew month corresponding to November - December
Latke: Yid. Fried potato pancake, traditionally served on Chanukah
Levivot: Heb. Fried potato pancakes, traditionally served on Chanukah
Maccabees, The: The Jewish army that revolted against the Syrian-Greek occupation in 139 BCE, whose miraculous victory culminated in the festival of Chanukah. Their name is an acronym of their battle cry, whose Hebrewwords mean "who is likened unto You amongst all powers, O, G-d."
Maoz Tzur: Heb. (lit. "mighty bhold") traditional song sung during Chanukah
Matisyahu, Mattathias ben Johanan: (d. 139 BCE) Father of the Maccabees, led the rebellion against the Syrian Greeks, culminating in the miraculous victory which is celebrated on the festival of Chanukah
Menorah: The eight-branched menorah (candelabra) kindled on Chanukah commemorating the miracle of Chanukah.
Sevivon: Heb. Spinning top on which are inscribed the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, heiand shin, an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, "a great miracle happened there"
Shamash, The: The candle from which the Chanukah lamps are lit
Shemen zayit zach: Pure, pressed olive oil
Sufganio: Fried donuts, a traditional Chanukah food
Yehuda Maccabee: A member of the Hasmonean family, leader of the Maccabees who led them to victory
Yehudit: A member of the Hasmonean family, ingeniously planned and executed the assassination of the Syrian-Greek General Holofernes, ending the siege on the city of Bethulia and saving its residents from starvation
