Where does Hanukkah get its name?

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The name “Hanukkah” comes from Hebrew and has a few different meanings. In Hebrew, the word itself means “dedication,” which was chosen as the name for this special holiday because it celebrates when the Jews were able to rededicate their holy temple after defeating the Syrians.

But by looking at parts of the name in Hebrew, there are some other cool meanings too! For example, the first half of the word (“Hanu”) means “they rested,” while the second half of the word (“kah”) is the same as the number 25. Because Hanukkah falls on the 25th day of the month Kislev in the Jewish calendar, these two definitions can be put together to symbolize the day when the Maccabees rested from their battle against the Syrians!

Special Meanings

Hanukkah is also known as “The Festival of Lights,” because we light candles each night to remember the great miracle of the oil that should have only lasted one day, but actually lasted for eight!

What are some other names you know about – for people, holidays, places, or things – that have very special meanings?