Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates a miracle that occurred in the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. The festival is celebrated for eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev. Hanukkah, like all Jewish holidays, is based on the Jewish calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar guided by both the cycles of the sun and the moon. As a result, the start and end dates of Hanukkah can be different every year.
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When Does Hanukkah Start and End?
Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar, which usually falls in late November or December according to the Gregorian calendar. It usually begins around the same day as Thanksgiving in the United States, and lasts for eight days, until the second night of the festival of Shvat. Depending on the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah can sometimes fall as early as late October or as late as late December.
The First Night Of Hanukkah
The first night of Hanukkah is a festive one. Families gather around the table to light the special menorah, or Hanukiah, that is the most visible symbol of the holiday. On the first night, it is customary to only light one candle on the menorah and then add a candle each subsequent night until all eight candles are lit. As the menorah is lit, favorite Hanukkah songs and blessings are shared along with snacks and stories.
The Eighth Night Of Hanukkah
The last night of Hanukkah is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. On the eighth night, all eight candles are lit simultaneously. The menorah, filled with all eight candles, symbolizes the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. Gifts, blessings, and more Hanukkah songs are shared as the holiday comes to a close.
Other Hanukkah Traditions
In addition to lighting the menorah, families may also play the traditional game of dreidel and exchange Hanukkah gifts. Eating special Hanukkah foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (Israeli jelly doughnuts) are traditional, as well as enjoying doughnuts and apples fried in oil.
Hanukkah is a joyous and festive holiday that celebrates the miracles of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. The festival officially begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar, and lasts 8 days, usually falling in late November or December. Its meaning is celebrated through traditional prayers, songs, the lighting of the menorah, the playing of the dreidel, and sharing of Hanukkah snacks and gifts.
Hanukkah is a wonderful way to celebrate with family and friends and bring light into the darkest of days.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.