When is the Jewish holiday Hanukkah? Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Celebrated for eight days, Hanukkah typically falls in December, often coinciding with the Christmas holiday, making it a time of interfaith celebration and joy. Let’s delve into the history, traditions, and significance of this festive occasion.

Hanukkah is observed from the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. The exact date can vary each year, as the Jewish calendar is a lunar-based system. This year, Hanukkah begins on December 18th and ends on December 26th.

The story of Hanukkah is rooted in the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire. In the second century BCE, the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to Hellenize the Jewish people by imposing Greek culture and religion on them. In response, a small group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, fought back and eventually succeeded in reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem.

Upon entering the Temple, the Maccabees found only one jar of pure olive oil, which was sufficient to light the menorah (a candelabra) for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, enough time for new oil to be prepared. This event is celebrated during Hanukkah, as it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors.

During Hanukkah, families gather to light the menorah each evening. The menorah has nine branches, with one branch (the shamash) used to light the others. Each night, an additional candle is lit, starting with one on the first night and ending with nine on the eighth night. The candles are placed in a specific order, with the shamash on the opposite side of the menorah.

In addition to lighting the menorah, Hanukkah is also celebrated through various customs and traditions. One of the most popular activities is playing dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is played for small candies or coins, and the letters on the dreidel represent different actions, such as “Nes Gadol Haya Po,” which means “A great miracle happened here.”

Another traditional Hanukkah food is latkes, also known as potato pancakes. These delicious treats are fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Sufganiyot, also known as jelly doughnuts, are another popular treat, often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey.

Hanukkah is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people and the importance of faith and freedom. While the exact date of Hanukkah may vary each year, its message of light, hope, and unity remains constant. So, when is the Jewish holiday Hanukkah? It’s a time to come together, share in the traditions, and celebrate the miracle of light.