▷ What Is The First Day Of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV. Celebrated by Jews around the world, the festival usually coincides with December. As one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, Hanukkah marks freedom, faith and the unknown miracles of everyday life.

The first day of Hanukkah is important for a few reasons. It marks the start of the holiday, and thus kicks off the eight days of celebrations and festivities the festival brings. It is the night when Jews around the world kindle the first Hanukkah candle on a menorah, states the Chabad website.

Hanukkah has no fixed date in the modern calendar, as it is based on the Hebrew lunar calendar. This means that each year it typically falls somewhere between late November and late December. That being said, the first day of the holiday is always the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. This happens to be the same day, according to the lunar calendar, as the Maccabees’ victory in the Greco-Syrian War.

Observances

On the first night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is added to the traditional menorah (also referred to as a hanukkiah). The menorah comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. According to the Torah, the menorah is to be placed on a windowsill to publicize the miracle of the day. The additional candle, called the “shamash,” is used to light the other candles. In some traditions, others candles are lit in a counterclockwise fashion, starting with the shamash at the top. Additionally, families recite a prayer while lighting each candle.

It is also customary to recite the Hanerot Halalu prayer while lighting the menorah. This prayer is based on a verse from the biblical book of Psalms. Various other customs found around the world include the singing of Hanukkah songs, playing with a dreidel, sharing gifts, and enjoying traditional Hanukkah snacks like sufganiyot and latkes.

Modern Celebrations

Hanukkah has become embraced throughout the world as a joyous winter holiday. Modern celebrations include public displays of menorahs and other decorations, the exchange of gifts among family and friends, and usually a large gathering of family and friends where traditional Hanukkah foods are served.

In the United States, Hanukkah gained national attention during the 1970s, when Congress established the first “National Menorah Day” on December 10th, 1975. As the holiday has grown in popularity, it has become seen as a universal celebration of freedom and religious liberation, celebrated by Jews and non-Jews alike.

In conclusion, the first day of Hanukkah is a special day in the Jewish faith, commemorating the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV and rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. On this day, Jews around the world join together to light the menorah as a sign of the freedom and faith they are celebrating. With its various traditions and customs, Hanukkah is growing increasingly popular throughout the world as a beautiful and joyous winter holiday.

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