Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival of rededication, celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, games, gifts, and special foods. It is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays and is known as the Festival of Lights. Many people ask when is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. It usually occurs in November or December on the Gregorian calendar, and is celebrated for eight days ending on the second day of the month of Tevet.
The holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees, Jews who had revolted against the Greek-Syrians, over their oppressors in the 2nd century B.C.E. The Maccabees found only enough oil to light the Temple’s Menorah for one day, but miraculously, it burned for eight days, which is why Hanukkah lasts for eight days.
During Hanukkah, Jews around the world light a nine-branched Menorah, one candle each night, using a special nine-branched holder called the Hanukkiah. The first day, three blessings are said and the shamash, the middle candle, is lit to light the other candles. Every night an additional candle is lit until all eight candles are lit on the final night. As the candles are lit, special prayers are recited.
The Talmud also prescribes that special foods be eaten such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Different kinds of games are played, such as dreidels, in which a spinning top with four Hebrew letters is used. Gifts are also exchanged, usually a new toy or small pieces of chocolate or coins.
Hanukkah is a time for celebration, joy and to remember the miracles of the past. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of righteousness over tyranny and to remind ourselves to do the same in our everyday lives. Hanukkah serves as an essential reminder of our Jewish identity when we are surrounded by often conflicting societal values and beliefs. May we be blessed to celebrate many more of these beautiful holidays to come in the future.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.