חֲנוּכָּה, inauguration, dedication, festival of dedication; esp. Ḥănuckah, the eight days’ feast commemorating the rededication of the Temple after its desecration under Antioch Epiphanes, lasting from the 25^ᵗʰ of Kislev to the second (or third) of Tebeth. Sabb. 21ᵇ מאי ח׳ why dedication ceremonies (illumination)? Ib. מצות ח׳ the proper observation of Ḥ. (illumination). Ib. נר ח׳ the lights kindled on Ḥ.—Pesik. R. s. 2 חֲנוּכַּת שמים וארץ the dedication of heaven and earth (by illumination, ref. to Gen. I, 18); ח׳ החומה the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. XII, 27); ח׳ הכהנים the dedication (illumination) instituted by the Asmonean priests; a. fr.—Pl. חֲנוּכּוֹת. Ib.