Hanukkah, a vibrant eight-day Jewish festival, shifts across dates but its spirit stays the same: celebrating the Maccabees' triumph and the Second Temple's rededication. Spin dreidels, enjoy latkes, and let the menorah's light remind us of hope and faith's strength.
This is because the Jewish lunar calendar and secular solar calendar differ. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of the Jewish month Kislev. But since Kislev falls on varying secular dates, Hanukkah moves around, usually occurring sometime between late November to late December. So while the timing changes, the meaning of Hanukkah remains constant for Jews. So when exactly is Hanukkah, and why do the dates change? Let's unravel the mystery behind the Festival of Lights.
The shifting dates of Hanukkah stem from the intricacies of the Jewish calendar, which combines lunar and solar elements. Unlike fixed-date holidays, Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, causing it to vary on the Gregorian calendar from late November to late December each year.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an annual Jewish holiday commemorating the 164 BCE Maccabean revolt. According to legend, the Maccabees reclaimed the Second Temple in Jerusalem and found only enough olive oil to fuel the menorah for one day. Miraculously the oil lasted for eight nights, allowing new oil to be prepared. Hanukkah celebrates this miracle with the eight-day lighting of the menorah, special prayers, gifts for children, and traditional foods. The holiday signifies the victory of religious freedom over oppression for Jews. The holiday celebrates religious freedom and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days is remembered by lighting a menorah throughout the holiday. Miraculously, the candles lit for eight days, giving them enough time to find a fresh oil supply.
Hanukkah is observed by lighting candles on a nine-branched candelabrum called a Hanukkiya or menorah, with one candle lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on. Foods cooked in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), are also traditional. The holiday lasts for eight nights and days in commemoration of the miracle of the oil.
When Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah: Eight days of light and freedom. Families gather to light the menorah, remembering the Maccabees' victory and rededication of the Second Temple. Dreidels spin, latkes are enjoyed, and faith shines bright. This Hanukkah, celebrate with loved ones and remember the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
It starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which falls between late November to late December on the secular calendar. When the Maccabees reclaimed the temple from the Seleucid army, there was only enough ritual oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for one day, but it miraculously lasted for eight days. That miracle is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights with the lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot. The varying dates correspond to differences between the Hebrew lunar calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar. But since the Jewish calendar is lunar-based and the Gregorian calendar is more commonly based, the dates shift yearly to the secular calendar.
Hanukkah dances through time, its dates changing each year based on the moon. Celebrate its arrival in 2023 on December 17th and join the festivities through December 25th. Mark your calendars for future years, as Hanukkah's path across time promises to be a radiant journey.
- 2024: December 7-15
- 2025: December 17-24
- 2026: December 6-14
- 2027: December 24- 1
The shifting nature of Hanukkah gives rise to its nickname, "The Festival of Lights and Calendar Oddities."
A Short History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish victory over religious oppression in 164 BCE. Led by the Maccabees, they recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple, despite facing a powerful empire. Miraculously, oil intended for one day burned for eight, inspiring the lighting of the menorah. Hanukkah reminds us of resilience, faith, and the importance of fighting for what's right.. They cleansed and re-dedicated the temple for Jewish worship, an event commemorated by the modern Hanukkah holiday.
How many days is Hanukkah?
Explicitly state in the introduction that Hanukkah is an 8-day holiday.
Why does Hanukkah last for 8 days?
According to legend, the oil found to light the menorah lasted 8 days, so Hanukkah celebrations last 8 nights. You could include more detail on this miracle of the oil in the "What is Hanukkah?" section.
What Does the Word “Chanukah” (or “Hanukkah”) Mean?
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, immortalizes the re-consecration of the Second Temple following the Maccabees' improbable triumph. The alternative spellings are simply nuances in the transliteration of the Hebrew word into English.
Regardless of the spelling, the holiday celebrates the unwavering spirit and stunning victory of the Maccabee rebels against seemingly insurmountable odds. This momentous occasion, encompassing both religious and national liberation, has been commemorated for over two millennia.
How Hanukkah is celebrated
Hanukkah is celebrated with essential rituals and delicious foods. Traditions include:
- Lighting the Hanukkiyah: Candles are lit using a nine-branched candelabrum each night of Hanukkah, with an extra candle called the shamash used to light the other eight.
- Public menorah lightings and displays
- Exchanging gifts like gelt (chocolate coins)
- Playing the dreidel game using a four-sided spinning top
- Eating oil-based foods like latkes and jelly donuts
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