▷ What Month Does Hanukkah Start?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated annually in November or December. It is a celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt and the Hanukkah miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. So, what month does Hanukkah start?

Hanukkah usually begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar used in much of the world. This year, Hanukkah begins on the night of December 10th and ends on the night of December 18th.

Calculating the Date

The Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning that the months do not line up perfectly with the Gregorian calendar months. The lunar phenomena on which the Hebrew calendar is based are complicated and can be difficult to track. It is estimated that in the Gregorian year 2089, Hanukkah will start on December 4th.

In general, the calendar year of the Hebrew calendar is around 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This means that if you wish to calculate the date of Hanukkah in a certain year, you must add 11 days to the 25th of Kislev.

Length of the Holiday

Hanukkah lasts for eight days, with each day celebrated with special rituals. The first night of Hanukkah is traditionally spent gathering with family and friends, lighting the Hanukkah menorah candles, eating traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), and playing dreidel.

Differences in Practices

Though the basic practices of Hanukkah are the same among Jewish communities, there are some variations in different areas. In Yemen, for example, the menorah is often made of iron or pottery and is illuminated with lamps filled with sesame oil. In Ashkenazi communities, a prayer book, or “siddur,” is used and special prayers and songs are recited.

In summary, Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar, which usually falls between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. It is a holiday that lasts for eight days and is traditionally celebrated with family and friends, lighting the Hanukkah menorah, eating special foods, singing songs, and playing dreidel. Different areas and cultures have variations in their practices of celebrating Hanukkah.

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