My essay is about the Religion assignment in Muggle Studies class.
A note from Pillow: I just want to say, this essay is based on what the Jewish people believe. I am not explaining what everyone should believe and what is right. I am explaining what this particular religion believes is right. So I’m not trying to start a religion riot or anything, so don’t get mad at me if I say something that you don’t believe!
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated over a period of eight days. Also known as the Festival of Lights or the Festival of Dedication, Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev, which “is generally December or late November”.
In Jewish homes, menorahs are kept out during Hanukkah. One the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On the second night, the second candle is lit. And it continues on through the eight day period.
What is the significance of this? The Jewish people remember fighting between a group called the Maccabees and Antiochus IV. The Maccabees had a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV. After the success, the Maccabees celebrated by purifiying a Temple for worship. They lit a flame, and by miracle, the eternal flame continued to burn for eight days with only enough oil of one day. So to remember that, Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah. And before lighting the candles each night, Jewish familes recite blessings together.
(these blessing and translations were quoted from Wikipedia Online)
The first blessing
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir (shel) chanukah.
Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights."
The second blessing
Recited all eight nights just prior to lighting the candles:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, she-asah nisim la-avoteinu, bayamim haheim, (u)baz'man hazeh.
Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors, in those days, at this season."
The third blessing
Recited only on the first night just prior to lighting the candles:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, vehigi-anu laz'man hazeh.
Translation: "Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."
Sources-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah#Blessings_over_the_candles
Subject: Hanukkah Relgion Essay 
