▷ What Day Does Hanukkah Start?

Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday celebrated annually by both Jews and non-Jews around the world. It is an eight-day celebration, typically starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, and ending on the second day of the Jewish month of Tevet. Hanukkah is full of rituals, traditions, and special foods that celebrate the Jewish people’s survival through adversity. The celebration often includes eating sufganiyot (fried doughnuts) and playing dreidel (a spinning, five-sided game). But above all, the most important question is: What day does Hanukkah start?

Table of Contents

1 Timing of Hanukkah

Timing of Hanukkah

Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which typically falls between late November and late December. The date for Hanukkah usually varies slightly from year to year, as it follows the Jewish lunar calendar which is a little longer than the solar calendar. Hanukkah lasts for eight days, ending on the second day of the Jewish month of Tevet. Each night during Hanukkah, Jews gather to light the menorah (the Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabra) and recite special blessings.

History of Hanukkah

Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Jews over the Syrians in 164 BCE. After the Syrians were defeated, a miracle happened when the Jews found a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah in the Temple. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days until more oil could be procured, allowing Jews to celebrate a full week-long festival of lights. To commemorate this miracle, Jews light an electric or wax menorah every night for eight days.

Celebration of Hanukkah

During Hanukkah, families light the menorah together and read a portion of the Torah each night. Jews exchange presents, play traditional games, and eat special sufganiyot (fried doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes). Children often receive coins called gelt that are given as Hanukkah gifts.

Hanukkah Traditions

In addition to lighting the menorah and exchanging gifts, certain traditional customs are practiced during Hanukkah. A special prayer is said when the Hanukkah lights are lit. After lighting the menorah, the blessings are recited and a special song is sung in celebration. Jews also play the game of dreidel. Dreidel is a spinning, five-sided game and is played with coins, candies, or small chocolate coins called gelt.

Hanukkah is a joyous holiday celebrated annually by both Jews and non-Jews around the world. The holiday is celebrated for eight days, usually starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and ending on the second day of the Jewish month of Tevet. Hanukkah is full of rituals, traditions, and special foods that celebrates the Jewish people’s survival through adversity. Hanukkah is a festive and joyous time for people of all ages and backgrounds.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.