Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah usually begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and may also be referred to as the Festival of Lights. During Hanukkah, the custom is to light a special nine-branched candelabra, also known as a Menorah, with a shamash (a ‘helper’ candle) used for lighting all other candles.
Hanukkah begins at nightfall on the 25th of Kislev, which is on a different day each year in the Hebrew calendar. Kislev is usually in November/December and starts when the first sliver of the waxing moon appears. This is because the Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the months and dates begin and end with the phases of the moon.To determine the start of Hanukkah, the Rabbinic Court in Jerusalem will check the state of the moon and, using mathematical calculations, announce when Hanukkah begins and of course, when it ends. This usually happens a few weeks in advance but due to the dynamic nature of the Hebrew calendar, the precise date can be changed even at the last minute.
What Time Is It on The Start of Hanukkah?
The exact time when Hanukkah begins varies each year, but it is safe to assume it will generally start around 6-7pm. Within Orthodox and conservative congregations the entire menorah is lit shortly after sunset on the first night of Hanukkah at the synagogue which usually takes place between 6–7 pm. This time of the candle-lighting varies depending on the season.
How to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah?
The traditional way to celebrate Hanukkah is to light a menorah, with one extra candle (the shamash) on each night of the festival. While lighting the menorah, you say blessings over the candles. Some of the blessings are prayers to thank God for creating the special lights and for the miracles he showed us in ancient times. Other traditional activities during Hanukkah includes playing games (especially with a dreidel) and eating traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes and jelly donuts.
How can I keep track of when Hanukkah starts?
There are multiple ways to track the start date of Hanukkah each year.
- Look up Jewish calendar online: You can search online to find the exact start and end dates of Hanukkah for each year.
- Check your local news: The Jewish community newspapers and radio programs can be a great source to get all the information you need to know about Hanukkah.
- Talk to a Rabbi: You can also consult a Rabbi who will have the correct start and end dates of Hanukkah at that time.
Hanukkah is a time for coming together as a family and remembering the miracle of God’s rededication of the Second Temple. Despite the changing dates of the festival, it is a meaningful moment for remembering the importance of the Maccabees’ victory. From lighting up the menorah each night to playing dreidel games and enjoying sufganiyot (traditional jelly donuts) around the holiday table, Hanukkah is a time to remember the beauty and joy of festival.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.