Hanukkah is one of the most well-known and celebrated festivals in the Jewish calendar. Every year, it is celebrated with light, laughter, and faith. Though it might be celebrated differently depending on where in the world one lives, it is a time that is greatly important to Jews all over the world. But what year did Hanukkah happen?
Hanukkah began with a miraculous victory of the Maccabees, a small group of Jews led by Judah Maccabee, over the Seleucid armies of King Antiochus IV in 165 BCE. This miracle is commemorated with an eight-day holiday, known as Hanukkah, in which candles are lit and special prayers are recited. One of the core symbols of Hanukkah, the menorah, is a very old and important symbol of the Jewish people.
The victory of the Maccabees was over an evil king who had outlawed many Jewish traditions and set up idols in the Temple. As such, a core part of the Hanukkah story is the rededication of the Temple. This is done by lighting the menorah, or a nine-branched candelabra, for eight nights. This is symbolic of the miracle of the one-day supply of oil that lasted the eight days in the Temple rededication when there was no oil for the menorah.
The precise date of Hanukkah changes every year, since it is based on the Jewish calendar and this follows a lunar cycle. However, the festival usually begins on the 25th day of Kislev, which is generally in late November or December on the Gregorian calendar. The exact year that Hanukkah started differs from one Jewish historian to another, but all agree that it was at least 2,000 years ago.
Hanukkah is a great time for children as it is a holiday of gifts and presents, and a time for children to learn more about the history and traditions of their faith. It is also a time of unity, as Jews all over the world celebrate what were once persecuted beliefs and practices. At the heart of the festival are oil and light – both spiritual and literal – and a reminder that hope can sometimes be found in the darkest places.
Overall, Hanukkah has a special and important place in the Jewish faith and calendar, and is a time to commemorate the courage of the Maccabees and to celebrate the remarkable persistence of the Jewish people. Its core elements of light, family, and faith remain as strong today as they ever have been, and it is a joy to celebrate this wonderful festival.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.