▷ How Long Is Hanukkah Celebrated For?

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people around the world to remember the miracle that happened long ago. During Hanukkah, families gather together and enjoy special foods, exchange presents, and light a nine-branched menorah called a Chanukiah.

Hanukkah can be celebrated anywhere from eight days to eight weeks, depending on how one chooses to observe it. Generally, Hanukkah lasts for eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and ending on the 2nd day of the Jewish month of Tevet. This year, Hanukkah starts on the evening of December 10th and ends on the night of December 18th.

The History of Hanukkah

The Miracle of Nightly Oil

Hanukkah originated in the 2nd century BCE when an Antiochian Greek king ordered the Jewish people to follow Greek laws in their homeland Judah. A group of Jewish people known as the Maccabees resisted the king and waged a war for religious freedom. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were victorious and a miracle happened: when they tried to light the menorah in the Holy Temple, it was miraculously lit for eight days with the small amount of oil that was found. This is known as the “miracle of the Oil,” and Hanukkah is a reminder of it.

Traditions of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a time for joy and celebration. There are a few traditions that Jews partake in during the eight days of Hanukkah. A centerpiece of the holiday is the lighting of the eight-branched Chanukiah, usually on the first night of Hanukkah. The Chanukiah is lit each evening, one candle at a time until all eight candles are lit. This symbolizes the lasting miracle of the Oil and the eight days it lasted.

In addition to lighting the Chanukiah, families also partake in traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and Gelt (chocolate coins). Other traditions include playing the classic game of dreidel and exchanging presents.

Hanukkah is a time for joy and celebration that lasts for eight days. During this time Jews around the world are reminded of the miracle of the Oil and the triumph of religious freedom. Hanukkah is celebrated with traditional foods, dreidel games, lighting the Chanukiah, and exchanging presents. It is a beautiful holiday that is celebrated by many and is a reminder of the power of faith.

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Last update 2023-11-21. Price and product availability may change.