Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Jewish holiday. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
The festival lasts for eight days, symbolising the miracle of the menorah. A small amount of oil, meant to last only one day, burnt for eight days in the temple. This event is central to Hanukkah's celebration.
Families light menorahs, exchange gifts, enjoy festive foods like latkes, and play dreidel games during this joyous occasion.
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The Story of Hanukkah: Why is it Celebrated?
Hanukkah, also spelt Chanukah, is a Jewish festival known as the "Festival of Lights," celebrated for eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar.
The Hebrew word "Hanukkah" translates to "dedication," reflecting the holiday's central theme of rededicating the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Seleucid Empire in 164 B.C.
Historical Significance
The origins of Hanukkah date back to the second century B.C. when the Jewish people were under the oppressive rule of King Antiochus IV, who sought to impose Greek culture and religion upon them.
A small group of Jewish fighters, known as the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, successfully revolted against this oppression. They reclaimed Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple, which had been defiled during the occupation.
Upon attempting to light the Temple's menorah, they found only a single cruse of ritual oil, enough for just one day. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days until more could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
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When Does the First Day of Hanukkah 2024 Begin?
In 2024, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25, and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
This eight-day festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
Future Dates
For reference, here are the dates for Hanukkah in the following years:
- 2025: Begins at sundown on December 14 and ends at sundown on December 22.
- 2026: Begins at sundown on December 4 and ends at sundown on December 12.
- 2027: Begins at sundown on December 24 and ends at sundown on January 1, 2028.
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Why Does Hanukkah Change Every Year?
Hanukkah's dates change every year due to its dependence on the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar. This calendar tracks the cycles of the moon while also aligning with the solar year, resulting in a different correlation with the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar.
Key Points on Why Hanukkah Dates Change:
- Lunisolar Calendar: The Hebrew calendar consists of months based on lunar cycles, meaning each month begins with the new moon. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is based solely on the Earth's orbit around the sun. This fundamental difference causes discrepancies in how dates align between the two calendars.
- Fixed Date in Hebrew Calendar: Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. However, this date can fall anywhere between late November and late December in the Gregorian calendar due to the variations in month lengths and leap years in the Jewish calendar.
- Overlap with Other Holidays: Occasionally, Hanukkah coincides with Christmas or other holidays, leading to unique cultural intersections. For example, in 2024, Hanukkah starts at sundown on December 25 and ends on January 2, 2025, marking a rare overlap with Christmas Day.
- Historical Context: The celebration commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The miracle of Hanukkah is associated with a small amount of oil that lasted eight days when it was only expected to last for one day.
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How is Hanukkah Celebrated? Traditions and Customs
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs that reflect its historical significance and cultural heritage. Here are the key observances associated with this festive holiday:
1) Lighting the Menorah
The most important ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, or hanukkiah, which has nine branches: eight for each night of the festival and one for the shammash (helper candle).
Each night, one additional candle is lit, starting with one on the first night and culminating with all eight on the final night. This act symbolises the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the ancient Temple.
2) Reciting Blessings
As candles are lit, blessings are recited to acknowledge the significance of the festival. Families often gather around the menorah to share in this moment, creating a warm and spiritual atmosphere.
3) Eating Traditional Foods
Food plays a central role in Hanukkah celebrations, with an emphasis on dishes fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Popular foods include:
- Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes are often served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar.
4) Playing Dreidel
Another beloved tradition is playing dreidel, a four-sided spinning top inscribed with Hebrew letters. The letters represent a phrase meaning "a great miracle happened there." This game has historical roots, as it allowed Jewish children to study the Torah secretly during times of oppression while pretending to play.
5) Gift-Giving
While not originally a traditional practice, gift-giving has become common in many families, especially in North America, influenced by Christmas customs. Some families exchange gifts on each night of Hanukkah, while others may give gelt (chocolate coins) to children.
6) Public Celebrations
In recent years, public menorah lightings have become popular, especially among Chabad Hasidic communities. These events foster community spirit and allow for broader public participation in the celebration of Hanukkah.
7) Community Gatherings
Families often come together for festive meals and gatherings during Hanukkah. Sharing stories of resilience and courage is common, reinforcing the holiday's themes of faith and perseverance.
8) Songs and Music
Singing traditional Hanukkah songs adds to the festive atmosphere. Songs often celebrate the history and miracles associated with Hanukkah, enhancing communal joy and connection during this time.
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