Hanukkah is an 8-day Jewish holiday that celebrates and remembers a miracle in Jewish history. During Hanukkah, a menorah is lit each night to symbolize the miracle of light. Hanukkah is also known as the “Festival of Lights” and it is celebrated during the Hebrew month of Kislev. This year Hanukkah falls on December 10th-18th.
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What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE in which the Maccabees, a small Jewish governor, defeated the Greek oppressors and reconquered Jerusalem. The celebration of Hanukkah is very important to the Jewish community because it celebrates religious freedom and the triumph of good over evil.
What Is the Significance Behind Hanukkah?
The Maccabees turned to the Lord and prayed for a miracle. Against all odds, their prayers were answered and they won their freedom from the Greek Empire. To celebrate their victory, they built a new altar in the Temple and wanted to light the menorah, a 7-branched candelabrum used in religious ceremony. But they only had enough oil to last one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 days and the menorah was lit for 8 nights.
What Time Is Hanukkah This Year?
Hanukkah this year begins on the evening of December 10th and ends on the evening of December 18th. On the first night of Hanukkah, the menorah is lit at sundown and each night an additional candle is added. On each night of Hanukkah, people gather to pray, sing songs, tell stories, and enjoy special festive meals. This year, many families will also celebrate Hanukkah virtually with their loved ones as safety guidelines for the pandemic remain in place.
What Do People Do on Hanukkah?
The most iconic part of the Hanukkah holiday is lighting the menorah. Additionally, families enjoy eating traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). It is also customary to spin a dreidel to play a game. Gifts are also often exchanged during Hanukkah.
Hanukkah is a special holiday in the Jewish calendar. This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 10th and ends on the evening of December 18th. Celebrations this year will look a bit different as we navigate living with the pandemic, but we can still come together virtually to celebrate. By sharing in traditions like lighting the menorah, singing songs, telling stories and enjoying special festive meals, we can create brightness and miracles even in the toughest of times.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.