Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration of religious freedom during the second century B.C.E. It is celebrated by lighting a menorah over 8 nights and exchanging gifts. One of the most common questions people ask during Hanukkah is “What night of Hanukkah is tonight?” The answer depends on when the holiday falls within the calendar year.
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When Are Eight Nights Of Hanukkah Celebrated?
Each year, Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days and nights. The date of the festival is determined according to the Jewish calendar, which is based on a lunar cycle. Generally, Hanukkah falls at some point between the end of November and the end of December. This means that in some years, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving coincide.
When Is the First Night of Hanukkah?
The first night of Hanukkah, also sometimes referred to as the “Festival of Lights”, is the night of the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. This date is determined by the Jewish calendar, and the date changes each year according to the Gregorian calendar. For example, if this year Hanukkah falls on December 12th, then the first night of Hanukkah falls on December 11th.
How Is the Menorah Lit?
On the first night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit in a special menorah, followed by another candle in the following days. On each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is placed on the menorah and lit, beginning with a lit Shamash (translated as ‘servant’ to signify its role in ‘serving’ the candles). It is preferable to light the Shamash first, followed by lighting the Hanukkah candles in a left to right direction.
What Is the Difference Between the Eight Days of Hanukkah?
- The first night of Hanukkah: On the first night of Hanukkah, the family gathers to light the menorah and recite a blessing. Once the first candle is lit, people exchange gifts.
- The second through seventh nights of Hanukkah: On the second through seventh nights, one additional candle is lit each night and a special prayer is recited. Family and friends gather to light the menorah and exchange gifts.
- The eighth night of Hanukkah: On the eighth night, known as “Zos Hashanah”, all of the candles are lit and a longer version of the blessings are said. This is the grand finale of the Hanukkah celebration.
To conclude, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration of religious freedom during the second century B.C.E. The date of the holiday changes each year and it is important to know what night of Hanukkah is that evening. On each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit in the menorah and special prayers are recited. The grand finale of the Hanukkah celebration is on the eighth night, known as “Zos Hashanah”, when all of the candles are lit and a longer version of the blessings are said.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.