Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the temple in ancient Jerusalem, and is celebrated for eight nights and days. One of the most important aspects of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah each night, a ritual that carries great spiritual significance. For many Jews celebrating Hanukkah, a key question is “What night is Hanukkah?”
When considering what night is Hanukkah, one important point should be noted: Hanukkah doesn’t start on the same night every year. This is because Hanukkah follows a lunar calendar rather than a solar calendar and so its dates can vary from year to year.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month on the Hebrew calendar, and it ends on the second day of Tevet, the tenth month. In 2020, Hanukkah began on the night of Thursday, December 10th and ends the night of Friday, December 18th. In 2021, Hanukkah will begin on the night of Thursday, December 2nd and end on the night of Friday, December 10th.
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Lighting the Menorah on the First Night of Hanukkah
The first night of Hanukkah is a very special and important night. On that night, a menorah (candelabrum) is lit and its lights are placed in the window of the home, a powerful reminder of the miracle that occurred more than two thousand years ago.
The evening of the first night of Hanukkah is called Erev Hanukkah. On that night, the first candle of the Menorah is lit and a special prayer is said, thanking God for the miracle of the oil that was used to light the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Lighting the Menorah on Subsequent Nights
On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit on the menorah. Traditionally, the candles are lit from left to right, adding one new candle each night. An additional prayer is also said on each night, praising God for His miracles.
On the last night of Hanukkah, all of the candles on the menorah are lit and the room is filled with the light of the candles. This is a beautiful way to celebrate the end of Hanukkah and remember the miracles of the past.
Hanukkah Celebrations Across the Globe
Hanukkah is celebrated around the world. Jewish communities all over the world gather together to marvel at the lights of the menorah, sing songs, and enjoy a special meal of fried foods such as latkes and jelly donuts.
The Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom and of the courage of Jewish people to fight against oppression. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and of our collective ability to overcome tremendous obstacles.
Hanukkah is an important part of the Jewish calendar and is celebrated around the world. Not only does Hanukkah celebrate a powerful moment in history, but it also celebrates the joy of communal traditions such as singing, eating, and lighting the menorah. By understanding when Hanukkah begins and how it is celebrated, we can deepen our appreciation for this meaningful holiday.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.