Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, is typically celebrated in the late fall or winter, depending on the dates of the Hebrew calendar. It is always held on the 25th day of Kislev, which this year falls on December 13-20. Most Hanukkah celebrations last for eight days, with the addition of the last day of Hanukkah held on the ninth day of Kislev. Therefore, the final night of Hanukkah is December 20, 2020.
The history and celebration of Hanukkah dates back to 164 BCE, when the Jewish Maccabees, a group of Jewish fighters, were successful in their attempt to reclaim the holy temple of Jerusalem from the Syrian-Greeks. The miracle of Hanukkah involves the Jews finding only enough oil left in the temple to keep the menorahs burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil enough lasted eight days, until more oil was found. This resulted in the eight days of Hanukkah becoming an eight-day celebration, with a special day held for the last night of Hanukkah.Table of Contents
How Is The Last Day Of Hanukkah Celebrated?
The ninth day of Kislev is the last day of the Hanukkah celebration and the last night of Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated indoors. It is a very special day as it marks the end of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday observance. Some of the activities held on the last night of Hanukkah include:
Lighting the Menorah
On the last night of Hanukkah, the menorah lights are lit and extinguished in a different way than during the other nights of the holiday. The lighting ceremony is done by saying a special prayer and blessing. The flame is lit from the shamash (the helper candle) and is allowed to burn until the entire family has gathered and purifies its hands.
Giving Gifts
On the last night of Hanukkah, most families exchange gifts. Traditionally, the gifts are given with great joy and accompanied by a festive meal. In many families the father will give the children wrapped gifts that contain coins.
Eating Traditional Food
The last night of Hanukkah is usually celebrated with a festive meal. This usually consists of traditional Jewish food cooked in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
The last night of Hanukkah is an important moment on the Jewish calendar, as it marks the end of an eight-day celebration that began back in 164 BCE. During this day, people will light the menorah, exchange gifts, and feast on traditional food. It is a day for family and friends to come together and remember the miracle of the oil that lit the temple for eight days.
Related Products:
- When Is Last Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Hanukkah Night Is Tonight?
- What Night Is It For Hanukkah?
- When Is The 8Th Night Of Hanukkah?
- When Is First Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Is The First Night Of Hanukkah Called?
- Tonight Is What Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Night Of Hanukkah Is It?
- Which Night Of Hanukkah Is Today?
- What Is The Most Important Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Night Hanukkah Is It?
- What Night Of Hanukkah Is It Right Now?
- When Is The Last Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Is The First Night Of Hanukkah This Year?
- What Night Is Tonight For Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.