Did you know that Hungary has the largest Jewish population in the entire Central Eastern European region? Yes, it’s even a surprise to many Hungarians. With the Jewish population estimated at 80,000 today, based mainly right here in Budapest, Jewish tradition and culture has played an important role in Hungary’s history for a millennium.
Numerous synagogues, including Europe’s largest, as well as educational centers and cultural venues can be found throughout the city. The 7th district, the old Jewish quarter, is particularly rich with culture and history, and at this time of year the Jewish residents celebrate Chanukah.
Chanukah is an eight day holiday which begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This year, 5768 on the Jewish calendar, the holiday begins at sunset on December 5th, and ends at nightfall on December 12th. Chanukah marks the victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution and religious oppression. In addition to being victorious in war, another miracle occurred: when the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, they found only one flask of oil with which to light the Menorah. This small flask lasted for eight days, so in order to commemorate, a candle is lit for each the eight days of Chanukah.
Chanukah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. However, gift-giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but has been added because of Jewish children’s jealousy of their Christian friends. In fact, the only traditional gift of the holiday is „gelt,” small amounts of money, or sometimes candy coins.
Fried foods are traditional at Chanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. The most common food is called “latkes”, which are potato pancakes served with sour cream and apple sauce.
Another tradition of the holiday is playing dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. The traditional explanation of this game is that during the time of oppression, those who wanted to study Torah (an illegal activity) would conceal their activity by playing gambling games with a top (a common and legal activity) whenever an official or inspector was within sight.
