Hanukkah is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated Jewish holidays. It commemorates the miracle of the Maccabees in re-dedicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. One of the central pieces of this holiday is the Menorah, which is lit on all 8 nights of the holiday. The first night of the holiday also happens to be the day that Hanukkah starts. So the obvious question is: What day did Hanukkah start?
The answer to when Hanukkah begins is not as straightforward as it may seem. The date when Hanukkah begins each year varies because the Jewish calendar is based on a lunar cycle. It must also take into account the different dates for the new moon, which is the beginning of the Jewish month of Kislev. With that being said, the first night of Hanukkah usually falls between November 28 and December 26 each year.
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What is the Significance of the Date of Hanukkah?
Since the holiday commemorates the Maccabees’ re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the date of Hanukkah is important as it corresponds to when the miracle occurred. In the story, the Maccabees entered the temple against huge odds to restore it to a place of worship. The date of the miracle is significant because it is the reason for the continued celebration of Hanukkah each year.
How Does The Date of Hanukkah Vary From Year to Year?
The date of Hanukkah varies from year to year due to its connection to the Jewish lunar calendar. The Jewish calendar is based on the movement of the moon, so the months and holidays change each year in accordance with its lunar cycle. The night of the new moon is when the Jewish calendar month of Kislev begins, and Hanukkah always starts on the first night of Kislev. This is why the date of Hanukkah can vary greatly from year to year.
How Do We Know What Day Hanukkah Started On?
The date of Hanukkah’s beginning has been known since the time of the Maccabees. Records of the date were kept in ancient Jewish texts, such as the talmud, and can also be found in the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus. Although the meaning of the holiday has changed over the centuries, the date of the Maccabees’ victory remains the same and is used to determine when Hanukkah begins each year.
What Is The Significance of Lighting the Menorah?
Lighting the Menorah is one of the central symbols of Hanukkah. The Menorah began with the original miracle, when the Maccabees found enough oil to light the Menorah in the temple for 8 days. To commemorate this miracle, a Menorah is lit on all 8 nights of the holiday. The hours and blessings vary among different sects of Judaism, but in most homes the Menorah is lit by the head of the household and a special Hanukkah prayer is said.
In conclusion, the date of Hanukkah has been known since the time of the Maccabees and it is determined each year by when the Jewish month of Kislev begins. This varies from year to year due to the Jewish lunar calendar. The lighting of the Menorah is a central component of the holiday and each night a special prayer is said as it is lit. All in all, the celebration of Hanukkah brings joy and warmth to Jewish homes each year and continues to commemorate the miracle of the Maccabees.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.