Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration. Celebrated during the winter months, it is observed as a way to commemorate the rededication of the holy Temple of Jerusalem by the Maccabees. Hanukkah is celebrated by the lighting of one candle each day on a nine-branched menorah for eight days. So the question arises: which day is Hanukkah?
The date of Hanukkah varies each year since it is based on the Hebrew calendar, which follows a lunisolar system, and not just the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah typically starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but it can end anywhere from the 2nd to the 8th of Tevet. In 2020, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 10 and ends on the evening of December 18.
Hanukkah and Other Holidays
Jewish holidays always begin at sundown on the day before the date listed, and end at nightfall. This means that Hanukkah begins on sundown of December 9th, which is the 24th of Kislev, and lasts until December 18th. Hanukkah can also sometimes overlap with other holidays, such as Thanksgiving in the United States. This can cause confusion about land which day Hanukkah begins and ends.
The Significance of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem by the Maccabees. According to the Talmud, a Jewish religious text, the Maccabees found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for 8 days and nights. This is why the Hanukkah menorah is lit for 8 days.
Important Traditions
Hanukkah is celebrated with a number of important traditions, including:
- Lighting the Menorah – A nine-branched candleholder is lit each night, with the number of candles increasing each day.
- Eating Latkes – Latkes are potato pancakes fried in oil, signifying the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days.
- Playing Dreidel – This is a game played with a spinning top and small tokens, such as coins or chocolate coins.
- Exchanging Gifts – On the first night of Hanukkah, children often receive a gift, such as books or toys.
In summary, Hanukkah is an eight-day festival celebrated by Jewish people around the world, which typically starts on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This year, Hanukkah starts on the evening of December 10th and ends on the evening of December 18th. Hanukkah is celebrated with a variety of important traditions, such as lighting the menorah, eating latkes, playing dreidel, and exchanging gifts.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.