▷ When Does Hanukkah Take Place?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the religious victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greeks in the year 165 B.C. and the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. While the holiday always falls on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, the date varies from year to year as it follows the Jewish calendar.

Hanukkah usually begins in late November through early December of the Gregorian calendar. This year (2020), the first candle of Hanukkah is lit on the evening of Thursday, December 10, with the last candle lit on the evening of Friday, December 18. Though the dates may move around, Hanukkah is always celebrated during the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greeks in the year 165 B.C. To celebrate their freedom, the Maccabees wanted to light a menorah – a seven-branched candelabrum – in the Temple, but only had enough oil to light it for one day. Miraculously, the oil kept the menorah burning for 8 days, which is why during Hanukkah, the menorah is lit with 8 branches during 8 days with the prayer and adding of one candle each night!

Which rituals are performed during Hanukkah?

Hanukkah festivities include many rituals such as lighting the menorah, playing with the traditional 4-sided spinning top (called a dreidel), exchanging presents, eating potato latkes (or fried potato pancakes soaked in oil to recall the miracle) and sufganiyot (doughnut-like fried pastries filled with jam or chocolate).

What is the significance of the Hanukkah holiday?

Hanukkah is a reminder of when the Jewish nation was granted the right to practice their religion freely. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the idea of freedom and religious liberty, as well as how to embrace diversity.

Lighting the Hanukkah menorah is a reminder of this miracle and carries with it a message of hope for future generations. It’s an eight night festival of rejoicing, a reminder to be thankful for divine intervention, and an opportunity to meditate on the values of freedom and religious liberty. The message of Hanukkah is universal and can be enjoyed and celebrated by people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Hanukkah is an important part of the Jewish faith and offers a reminder of the importance of preserving one’s religion and culture. Celebrating Hanukkah recognizes the victory of the Jewish people over religious oppression and celebrates our right to practice our religion with joy and freedom.

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