Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated annually by lighting a menorah, a nine-pronged candelabra, for eight days and nights starting on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev. On each night, one additional candle is added, and a special blessing is said. This holiday is full of traditions, including eating special foods laden with symbolism, exchanging gifts, and playing games. Determining which night of Hanukkah is important to celebrating this spirited and joyous holiday.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous eight day celebration of the Jewish victory over the Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. This holiday celebrates the Jewish people’s re-dedication of their Holy Temple with a special candle-burning ceremony. A menorah, a nine-pronged candelabra, is lit with real oil and candles over the course of eight days and nights in the Jewish month of Kislev. On each night, one additional candle is added by saying a special blessing, accompanied by other festive rituals carried out by families each year.
How Do You Calculate Which Night Of Hanukkah?
The determination of which days National Hanukkah begins and ends is derived from the Jewish calendar and follows mathematical rules set down in the Talmud, an ancient Jewish legal work. According to the Talmud, the Hebrew calendar is a lunar-solar calendar that is based on a nineteen year cycle. The Jewish festival cycle follows these 19-year cycles, where the first year begins on the sixth day of the month of Nisan, the second in the month of Iyar, the third in Sivan, and so on, until the hamishi (fifth) year, which ends in the month of Adar. The calendar restarts on the sixth day of the aforementioned month after every 19-year cycle.
Can Hanukkah Fall On Different Days?
Yes, contrary to what some people may believe, Hanukkah is not always celebrated on the same day each year, as the Hebrew calendar is annual and does not quite line up with the Gregorian solar calendar. Therefore, the day and month may be different each year. Generally the holiday begins on the 25th of Kislev, a Hebrew month that often coincides with the Gregorian November/December, but it can begin (and thereby end) on any day of the week.
It is important to note that Hanukkah 2017 begins on Tuesday, December 12, and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, December 20. As each night of Hanukkah differs, celebrants should take note of which day the holiday starts and ends each year to ensure that they are following their tradition in the proper manner. This will help ensure that the proper blessing is said on each night of the joyous holiday.
Understanding which night of Hanukkah is essential to celebrating this spirited and rich holiday. Being aware of the Hebrew calendar as well as the Gregorian calendar will help ensure a memorable and successful holiday experience.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.