Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday celebrated annually for eight days and nights in the month of Kislev. It begins on the 25th day of Kislev which falls sometime around late November or early December. On the first night of Hanukkah, a menorah is lit with oil and candles are lit in memory of the miracle of the oil lamp and the victory in the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. But what is the first night of Hanukkah called?
The first night of Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights or the Festival of Dedication. It is referred to in Hebrew as “Hanukkat Ha-Mizbei’ach” which means “the consecration of the altar.” This is based on when the Jewish people reclaimed the temple in Jerusalem from the Seleucid Greeks and rededicated it to the worship of God. During the festival, the Menorah or Hanukiyah is lit with a shamash (a special ninth candle that is used to light the other eight candles). The Menorah is lit on the first night of Hanukkah and one candle is lit each subsequent night until all eight candles are lit.
Hanukkah is more than just about the lighting of the Menorah, it reflects a time of spiritual revival, celebration of religious freedom, and miracles. Jews of all ages celebrate the holiday by lighting the candles and gathering with family and friends to enjoy traditional Hanukkah foods, exchange gifts, and play games.
The first night of Hanukkah is an important part of the Hanukkah celebration since it marks the beginning of the holiday. It is not only the beginning of the religious rites and celebrations associated with the festival, but an opportunity for the Jewish people to come together in joy and thankfulness and celebrate their freedom from religious persecution.
In summary, the first night of Hanukkah is called the Festival of Lights or the Festival of Dedication and celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem to the worship of God. It also marks an important time of spiritual revival among the Jewish people, as well as a celebration of religious freedom. It is celebrated by lighting the Menorah or Hanukiyah with a shamash and gathering with family and friends to enjoy traditional Hanukkah foods, exchange gifts, and play games.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.