▷ When Does Hanukkah Celebrate?

Hanukkah is an important Jewish celebration that commemorates the victory of Maccabees against the rulers of the Seleucid Empire and the subsequent rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Jews’ successful revolt. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which falls anywhere between late November and late December. The festival is celebrated with many traditional activities and special foods, and is also known by other, alternate names, such as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication.

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1 When Is Hanukkah Celebrated?

When Is Hanukkah Celebrated?

Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is celebrated for eight days beginning on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which can fall anywhere between the late November to late December depending on the year. However, sometimes the dates can be adjusted when they interfere with other Jewish holidays.

Determination of Kislev 25th:

The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar cycle, so the exact date of Kislev 25th can vary each year. Generally, the celebration starts at sundown on the day that precedes the date indicated on standard, secular calendars. So, to calculate when Kislev 25th will start, subtract one day from the date provided by a secular calendar.

The First Night of Hanukkah:

During the first night of Hanukkah, Jews gather together in their homes for a special prayer service known as the “Festival of Lights” – or as it is called in Hebrew, “lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah,” which roughly translates to “kindle the Hanukkah lights”. Then the special lights of Hanukkah, known as the Menorah, are lit.

Lighting of the Menorah:

During Hanukkah, Jews light a candelabrum with one light for each night of the festival, plus a ninth holder of a single candle, known as the shamas (servant). This candle is lit first, and its light is used to light the other candles. On the first night, only one candle is lit. On the second, two candles are lit, and so on until the last night of the festival in which all eight candles are lit.

Traditional Activities of Hanukkah:

In addition to lighting the menorah and saying special prayers, the Jewish tradition also includes:

Gifts – Families often give small gifts and treats to each other on Hanukkah, including coins called “gelt” that are given to children.
Games – Jews traditionally enjoy playing games of chance with an iconic four-sided spinning top called the dreidel.
Food – People often enjoy special Hanukkah foods such as potato pancakes, called latkes, and traditional jelly-filled doughnuts, called sufganiyot.

Hanukkah is an important Jewish celebration that is celebrated around the world. It commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over oppressive rulers and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. It is celebrated with many usual activities and traditional foods and is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication.

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