Hanukkah Unveiled
In the year 2024, Hanukkah commences at sunset on December 25th and concludes at sunset on January 2nd. In 2023, Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 7th and ends at sunset on December 15th.
Core Facts
Hanukkah initiates on the eve of the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev and continues for eight days. The westen calendar's start date varies from year to year, often falling between late November and late December.
Hanukkah is commonly spelled as "Chanukka," although other variations such as Chanukah and Chanukka are also acceptable. The pronunciation is "HAH nu kah." "Chanukka" signifies "dedication" in Hebrew.
Apart from being known as the Festival of Lights, Weihungsfest, and Makkabäerfest, Hanukkah is also referred to as the Lichterfest, or the festival of lights.
Moreover, though not the Jewish counterpart of Christmas, children in areas with close ties among Jewish and Christian communities often receive gifts during Hanukkah.
Understanding Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish rebellion against Syrian-Greek oppression, culminating in the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem---an event that took place around 165 BCE. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king of Syria, desecrated the Temple by installing an altar for Zeus within it.
The Jews, led by the Maccabees, embarked on a campaign to reclaim the Temple. Unexpectedly, during the temple's preparation for rededication, they could only find enough oil to sustain the menorah's flames for a single night. Miraculously, the oil endured for eight days, enabling the lighting of the menorah throughout the festivities.
As a reminder of this extraordinary event, a single candle is lit on the first night, with an additional candle added each night thereafter until the final night, when all eight candles are illuminated. The shamash, a special candle, is used to kindle the others. The candles are arranged clockwise but lit counter-clockwise.
A popular Hanukkah symbol is the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top. During the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Jews were forbidden from studying the Torah. When the soldiers arrived, the Jews would pretend to play with the dreidel as a means of deception.
Traditional dishes like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are frequently enjoyed during Hanukkah as a tribute to the Maccabees. Since the fuel for these dishes is oil, Hanukkah serves as a symbolic reminder of the miracle event.
Further Reading
While misconceptions persist, Hanukkah is not a Jewish equivalent to Christmas. Though children may receive gifts in areas with strong ties between Jewish and Christian communities, Hanukkah and Christmas retain unique religious, cultural, and historical traditions.
