What is Hanukkah?
It's a Jewish festival that lasts for eight days in December. It's a festival that marks the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE. Having been desecrated by the Syrians, the 165 BCE rededication occurred thanks to the Maccabees. The Hebrew word Chanukah actually means 'Dedication'.
Is it known by any other names?
Yes, the Festival of Lights. To tie in with the festival, a nine-branch candle holder is lit every year. The candle holder is called the Menorah, and each night, a candle is lit over the eight days. The ninth candle oversees the others and is known as the Shamash, functioning as a flame that lights the eight.
When does Hanukkah fall this year?
From the night of December 24 to New Year's Day 2017.
When was the earliest mention of the Jewish people in Italy?
This can be traced back to 160 BCE when the first Jews arrived in Rome. They had fled historic Israel from the Syrian King Antiochus. Having arrived in Rome, this was to be known as the oldest Jewish settlements in the Western European area.
In 1555, the Jews were forced into a ghetto on the opposite side of the Tiber River. For more than 300 years, around 13,000 Jewish people lived here. Shops, restaurants and a synagogue were all established in the area.
What do Hanukkah celebrations look like across some of Italy's major cities?
The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebrations in Rome happens in Piazza Barberini where a massive Menorah is lit. The Menorah is 20 feet tall, and this year promises to be another spectacular celebration.
Other Roman celebrations are taking place at locations such as Piazza Bologna and also the fountain at Piazza Mattei. (Tip: When in Rome, pay a visit to the Arch of Titus, which was built in 81 CE. On the arch, you can make out a procession in the wake of the raid on the Temple of Solomon. Over the heads of the Romans is the unmistakeable depiction of a menorah.)
Another impressive and large-scale menorah lighting takes place in Milan's Piazza San Carlo.
In Florence, the local synagogue is the focal point for the festival. The Renaissance City's Tempio Maggiore is one of the largest synagogues in Europe, constructed between 1874 and 1882. With its remarkable bronze wood interior, intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble floors, it's one of the most sumptuous of its kind. An excellent kosher restaurant, Ruth's, is found next door, too. Don't skip it.
In Venice, five synagogues remain active places of worship. The city's Ghetto Square hosts a Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Museum, and the square is where it's all happening for the Hanukkah celebrations. Following a customary menorah lighting, there are usually all sorts of festivities, music, dancing and food.
What traditional food is eaten in Italy at Hanukkah?
Fried foods are common. Pollo fritto for Hanukkah is a hearty, popular meal: The chicken is marinated in a mix of olive oil with lemon juice, garlic and nutmeg. After the chicken has been marinated, it is then covered in flour and egg before it's fried to crispy perfection.
A good accompaniment to the fried chicken is fritelle di patate, otherwise known as latkes (a kind of fried potato pancake). The mash is seasoned to add that extra flavor before receiving a smattering of coated breadcrumbs to add to that fried kick.
Rome is known for its carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), and also for melanzane alla giudia (also fried!) Simple to make, and delicious to eat, the eggplant's seeds and majority of flesh are removed before it is fried in a combination of garlic and olive oil.
What's for dessert?
In keeping with the fried theme, fritelle de Chanuka are a big hit for Italians to eat at Hanukkah. This dessert is basically fried sweet dough fritters. The dough is mixed in with raisins and anise seeds. It's then fried and topped off with hot honey.
Another favorite dessert is torta di ricotta, which is Ricotta Pie filled with sour cherries and/or chocolate. If you're celebrating Hanukkah at home with friends or family, then you won't go wrong with these traditional dishes.
