Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated every year on the 25th day of the Hebrew month. The holiday is celebrated with special ceremonies, special foods and the lighting of the menorah. But when is Hanukkah? What is the date of the holiday, and how do we calculate it?
When Does Hanukkah Begin?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls in either late November or December on the Gregorian calendar.
The exact start date of the holiday is determined by a lunar calendar. Since the exact start date of the holiday changes each year, the holiday is sometimes referred to as “The Festival of Lights” because it always starts on the same night each year during a different month.
The Talmud goes on to explain that if the 25th of Kislev falls on a Sunday, Monday or Thursday, we add a day to the holiday and it ends on the third of Tevet. If the 25th of Kislev falls out on a Tuesday or Wednesday, we add two days and the holiday ends on the fourth day of Tevet.
Hanukkah Traditions
There are several Hanukkah traditions that are widely practiced, including:
- Lighting the Menorah– Each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit on the Menorah – a nine branched candelabra. By the end of the holiday, the Menorah will be filled with light.
- Spinning the Dreidel– During Hanukkah, four-sided spinning tops called Dreidels are played with. The letters on a dreidel correspond to a special phrase “A great miracle happened there” in Hebrew. Rules for Dreidel vary by region.
- Gelt– Hanukkah is known for being a festival of lights and Chocolate. On the nights of Hanukkah, children are sometimes given coins, usually referred to as Gelt, for them to enjoy.
In conclusion, Hanukkah is a joyful holiday that is celebrated each year on the 25th of Kislev, which is usually in late November or December on the Gregorian calendar. On Hanukkah we celebrate with a variety of traditions, including lighting the Menorah, spinning the Dreidel and giving Gelt. With millions of people around the world, it can be a great time to unite as families, friends and a community to celebrate Judaism.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.