Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday and a time for celebration, usually lasting eight days. One important question surrounding Hanukkah is when does it start each year? The answer to when Hanukkah starts every year is determined by the Jewish lunar calendar.
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Understanding the Jewish Lunar Calendar
The Jewish lunar calendar, or Hillel calendar, is a 19-year cycle; as a result, determining exactly when Hanukkah will start each year is a bit more complicated than other holidays. It starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish year is based on the amount of time it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle. Based on this, the lunar year is between 10 and 11 days shorter than a solar year.
How Does the Jewish Lunar Calendar Determine When Hanukkah Will Start?
Hanukkah usually begins in late November or in December, though it can start as late as late December and as early as late October. To determine an exact date for Hanukkah start, you need to consult:
- The number of days in the Jewish calendar month of Kislev
- The Rosh Chodesh, which marks the first day of the month in the Jewish lunar calendar
- The Hebrew day of the week on Rosh Chodesh Kislev that will determine exactly when Hanukkah will start
Using these criteria, the exact day when Hanukkah will start each year can usually be determined around a few weeks prior in most calendar years.
When Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
The Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is sometimes called, is celebrated in remembrance of God’s miracles. Hanukkah typically lasts for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
What Are the Names for Each Day of Hanukkah?
In Jewish tradition, each day of Hanukkah has its own name to mark the beginning of the holiday, including:
- Kislev 25: Day One is known as Kislev twenty-five
- Kislev 26: Day Two is known as Kislev twenty-six
- Kislev 27: Day Three is known as Kislev twenty-seven
- Kislev 28: Day Four is known as Kislev twenty-eight
- Kislev 29: Day Five is known as Kislev twenty-nine
- Kislev 30: Day Six is known as Kislev thirty
- Tevet 1: Day Seven is known as Tevet one
- Tevet 2: Day Eight is known as Tevet two
In conclusion, Hanukkah marks a significant and special time for Jewish families to celebrate the miracle of the oil that burned in the temple for eight days and nights. Although the start of Hanukkah each year depends on the Jewish lunar calendar, understanding the special days and names of the holiday is key to better appreciating and celebrating this important time.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.