The start of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah is determined by the Jewish calendar. It is celebrated on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, eight days after the beginning of that month. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for ‘dedication’. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and commemoration of the miracle of tanks of oil that lasted for 8 days instead of the usual one.
Hanukkah is considered one of the most important holidays in Judaism. It marks the rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem after a successful revolt against an oppressive government over two millennia ago. Each year, family and friends gather to celebrate and remember the miracle of the oil, lasting for 8 days which allowed for the re-dedication of the temple.
The celebration of Hanukkah occurs for 8 nights, during which time special prayers and rituals are performed. Gifts are also exchanged on the first and last nights, accompanied by the beautiful song “Maoz Tzur.” Additionally, playing with a spinning top called a dreidel is common amongst children and adults alike. On each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit on a special candelabra called a menorah, with one added every day, until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night of the holiday. These candles are used to light a large Hanukkah candle to which all the others are added.
The start of Hanukkah is determined by the Jewish calendar which follows a lunar cycle. This means that the date of the start of Hanukkah is determined by the sighting of the first of the month of Kislev. This began with the ancient Babylonian system of intercalation which changes year to year.
When deciding when to start the month of Kislev, multiple safeguards are taken. Witnesses have to appear before a panel of three rabbis for the sighting of the new moon in order for them to be certain that it was sighted correctly. If two out of the three witnesses agree then the day is considered part of Kislev instead of the previous month. The day where the new moon is sighted is also called “Rosh Chodesh” which literally translates as ‘head of the month’. Hanukkah then starts 8 days later on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
In conclusion, the start of Hanukkah is determined by the Jewish calendar, and is celebrated 8 days after the sighting of the new moon of the Jewish month of Kislev. It is a time for family and friends to gather in recognition of the miracle of the oil from long ago. Various special prayers, rituals, and customs are observed during the eight days of celebration.
Related Products:
- How Is The Date For Hanukkah Determined?
- How Is Hanukkah Determined?
- How Is Hanukkah Date Determined?
- How Is The Date Of Hanukkah Determined?
- How Many Days Is Hanukkah And When Does It Start?
- How Are The Days Of Hanukkah Determined?
- How Are The Dates Of Hanukkah Determined?
- When Does Hanukkah Start And How Long Is It Celebrated?
- How Are Hanukkah Dates Determined?
- How Often Does Hanukkah Start On Christmas Eve?
- When Is The Start Of Hanukkah?
- What Day Is Hanukkah Start?
- When Does Hanukkah Start On The Jewish Calendar?
- When Is Hanukkah Start This Year?
- When Does Hanukkah Start Each Year?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.