Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is a Jewish festival celebrated annually, typically in late November to December, lasting eight nights. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, following its desecration by foreign forces during the 2nd century BC. This event is symbolic of Jewish resilience and faith in the face of adversity. The term “Hanukkah” itself means “dedication” in Hebrew, referencing the rededication of the temple after it was liberated by a small group of Jewish fighters.
The festival’s central ritual is the lighting of the menorah, a multi-branched candelabra. Each night, an additional candle is lit, beginning with one on the first night and increasing by one candle each subsequent night. The menorah typically has eight branches for the eight nights of the festival, with a ninth candle, called the “shamash,” used to light the others. The candles are traditionally lit from left to right, but they are added to the menorah from right to left, signifying the increasing light during the celebration.
The holiday’s connection to light also extends to food, with many Jewish families preparing traditional dishes fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). This custom serves as a reminder of the miracle when a small amount of pure oil lasted for eight days, enabling the menorah to remain lit in the Temple.
Hanukkah’s dates vary each year based on the Hebrew calendar, but it typically falls in December. This year, it will be celebrated from December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025. The festival’s timing is unique as it coincides with Christmas Day, an occurrence that happens only five times since 1900.
Throughout the holiday, Jewish families also focus on charity, social justice, and helping others, aligning with the values of making the world a better place. Giving tzedakah (charitable donations) is a key tradition for many, reinforcing the idea that light and kindness should be shared.
Hanukkah’s observances differ among Jewish communities, from Reform to Orthodox, but the core theme remains the same: the triumph of light over darkness. It emphasizes that even small actions can have a profound and transformative impact. The festival continues to be an important time for Jewish families to gather, celebrate, and reflect on their shared history and heritage.
For further insights into Hanukkah traditions, visit Chabad’s Hanukkah Page or The Jewish Virtual Library.
