When is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah? Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that typically falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees in the second century BCE after their successful rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, playing dreidel, eating traditional foods, and giving gifts to children. In this article, we will delve into the history, significance, and customs of Hanukkah, as well as the date on which it is observed each year.
Hanukkah is observed for eight consecutive nights, beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The festival’s date varies each year because the Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, and Hanukkah is based on the Hebrew lunar calendar. The holiday usually falls between late November and late December, and its exact date can be determined by consulting a Jewish calendar or an online Jewish holiday calculator.
The story of Hanukkah is rooted in the second century BCE, when the Jewish people were under the rule of the Seleucid Empire, which sought to Hellenize the region. The Seleucids desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by erecting an altar to Zeus and forbidding the Jews from practicing their religion. In response, a small group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees led a successful rebellion against the Seleucids, recaptured the Temple, and rededicated it to God.
According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which is the duration of Hanukkah. This miracle is the basis for the festival’s name, which means “dedication” in Hebrew.
During Hanukkah, families gather to light the menorah, a candelabra with nine branches. The first candle is lit on the first night, and an additional candle is lit each subsequent night. The candles are placed in a special holder called a menorah or chanukkiyah, with the shamash (the “helper” candle) placed aside to light the other candles.
Hanukkah is also a time for joy and celebration. Traditional foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are eaten. Giving gifts to children is also a common practice, with many families giving Hanukkah gelt (money) or Hanukkah-themed toys and books.
In addition to its religious significance, Hanukkah has become a symbol of Jewish identity and resilience. It is a time for Jews to come together and celebrate their heritage, as well as to reach out to non-Jews and share the story of Hanukkah and its message of freedom and light.
In conclusion, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, typically in December, and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The festival is marked by the lighting of the menorah, the consumption of traditional foods, and the giving of gifts. Whether you are Jewish or not, Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
