Whether you spell it Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hanukkah, Hanuka or Channuka, you're probably right. For information and videos on the correct spelling of Hanukkah, check out the links on this page.
Also see Mahalo's useful tutorial on how to spell Hanukkah for the complete etymology of the word and the historical details.
Why So Many Spellings
Because of the linguistic differences between English and Hebrew, there is no "correct" spelling, though depending on your priorities and taste, some are more correct than others.
Spelling Chanukah with a "ch" is confusing for non-Hebrew speaking people, and the "ch" is often pronounced like the "ch" in church, even though it is more of a guttural and throaty "h" sound.
Some use the double"k" to denote the strength of the Hebrew letter.Jewish World Review: So What is the correct way of spelling in English...
How to Spell Hanukkah
Learn how to spell Hanukkah the traditional way as Rabbi Eli Levitansky spells and pronounces the word in this Mahalo.com tutorial. The traditional spelling is "Chanukah" rather than the more commonly seen spelling of Hanukkah. For more Hanukkah (Chanukah) information visit the MahaloDotCom YouTube account.
Authorities on the Spelling
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Hanukkah Merriam Webster Dictionary
- Manischewitz: ChanukahManischewitz
- Hallmark: HanukkahHallmark Cards
- American Greetings: Chanukah and HanukkahAmerican Greetings
- Hebrew Union College: ChanukkahHebrew Union College
- Jerusalem Post: HanukkaJerusalem Post
- Rabbinical Council of America: ChanukahRabbinical Council of America
- The Kabbalah Centre: ChanukahThe Kabbalah Centre
- Oxford English Dictionary: HanukkahOxford English Dictionary
- American Israel Public Affairs Committe: HanukkahAmerican Israel Public Affairs Committee
- Tikkun: ChanukahTikkun
- Society for Humanistic Judaism: HanukkaSociety for Humanistic Judaism
- Judaism 101: ChanukkahJudaism 101
- Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: ChanukahReligious Action Center of Reform Judaism
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
Rabbi Eli Levitansky offers information on how to celebrate Hanukkah through this Mahalo.com holiday tutorial. One way the holiday is through the lighting of the menorah each night. Hanukkah is also celebrated with traditional foods and games.
First Night of Hanukkah
Learn about the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Light Hanukkah Candles
Learn how to light Hanukkah candles with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. The menorah is lit with a lighting candle called the shamus. The first night only has one candle with each new night adding a candle. The first night has three blessings and other nights have two. This video is part of a series published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
Hanukkah Latkes and Sufganiyot
Rabbi Eli Levitansky talks about traditional Hanukkah foods in this video. Featured are latkes and sufganiyot. Full descriptions are provided about the food as well as why they became traditional at Hanukkah time. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Play the Dreidel on Hanukkah
Rabbi Evi Levitansky discusses how to play the dreidel on Hanukkah. The dreidel is a four sided spinning top played with during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. This video is part of a wider series available on the Mahalo.com channel of videos available on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah Gelt?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky returns with another Mahalo.com produced video, this one teaches what is Hanukkah gelt? The video focuses on money, which is given to children at Hanukkah. Watch the video to learn more, this video is part of a wider series of videos produced on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
What Time Does Hanukkah begin?
If you have ever wondered when Hanukkah begins, then watch this video which will provide the answer. Hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitansky and produced by Mahalo.com this video is part of the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
When is Hanukkah?
If you have ever asked yourself the question when is hanukkah?, watch this video, which will answer all you need to know. The video is hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitanksy and is part of the Mahalo.com channel published on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky discusses what is hanukkah, (the celebration of lights) in this Mahalo.com produced video. The traditions and history of Hanukkah are discussed as well as what it represents today. This video is published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube and is part of a wider series focusing on Hanukkah.
References
Fast Facts
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2008 Date
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Begins
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Ends
2 Tevet or 3 TevetAkhlah: Hanukkah
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Fact:
Commemorates the Maccabees' successful rebellion against Antiochus IV EpiphanesJewlicious: What is Chanukah
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Fact:
Annual Jewish holiday observance that lasts for eight consecutive days
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Fact:
Celebrated with food, exchanging of gifts, and the lighting of menorahs
