Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Jewish holiday celebrated over eight nights. But when does Hanukkah fall in the calendar? This article discusses the history and the date of Hanukkah, as well as other information related to the celebration.
<h2>When is Hanukkah?</h2>
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, and usually falls sometime in December. Since the Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the exact date of Hanukkah varies each year. However, Hanukkah always falls within November 28th and December 26th. This year, Hanukkah will begin at sundown on December 10 and last through December 18.
<h3>History of Hanukkah</h3>
Hanukkah commemorates the miracle that occurred when a small group of Jews, known as the Maccabees, defeated the Romans and reclaimed the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE. When the Maccabees retook the Temple, they were only able to find enough oil to keep the menorah, the seven-branched candelabra, lit for one night. But miraculously, the oil kept the menorah burning for eight nights.
<h3>Hanukkah Traditions</h3>
Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah by lighting candles, giving gifts, spinning a dreidel game and eating special foods fried in oil. These activities are meant to recall the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Some Jews also host parades or host community-wide Hanukkah parties.
<h3>Gelt and Dreidels</h3>
A traditional treat on Hanukkah is gelt, which is usually chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Dreidels, or spinning tops, are popular among children during Hanukkah. The four sides of the dreidel bear theHebrew letters <em>nun</em>, <em>gimmel</em>, <em>hei</em>, and <em>shin</em>, with each letter standing for a phrase. The game can be played with chocolate gelt.
<h3>Hanukkah Foods</h3>
Traditional Hanukkah foods include latkes, or potato pancakes, which have a long history and are enjoyed by Jews all over the world. Latkes are made from grated potatoes, onions, eggs and matzo meal fried in oil. Another popular Hanukkah dish is sufganiyot, a fried doughy treat covered in powdered sugar or filled with jelly or custard.
Hanukkah is a special time of year for Jews all around the world, and its traditions are a reminder of the miracle that has been passed down through the generations. By observing the Festival of Lights, Jews celebrate the victory of the Maccabees and remember the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Although the date of Hanukkah changes from year to year, Jews around the world will gather to honor this special time every December.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.