Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a beautiful Jewish holiday steeped in faith and ancient history. It is annually for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in December. People of all nationalities celebrate it, paying tribute to their ancestors and events that happened many years ago. Learn more about it and join the celebrations!

History

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts for 8 days and its roots can be traced back to the 2nd century BC. After the reign of Alexander the Great, the holy lands were seized by the Seleucids and their leader, the dictator Antiochus Epiphanes, who hated Jewish values. He forbade the traditions to which the people were accustomed, such as the study of the Torah, the circumcision of infants, and the celebration of Shabbat. Gradually, the Jews rebelled, and an uprising took place. They managed to overcome their oppressors, but many temples and holy places were destroyed.

The Jews, exhausted by the bloody war, climbed the Temple Mount and were victorious. When they wanted to consecrate the Jerusalem Temple, they were brought to tears: only a single jug of lamp oil remained intact. There was so little left that burning it would have been enough for just one day, but miraculously it shone for 8 days. The believers were amazed, but during this time they managed to clear the temple and prepare fresh oil. This event was the beginning of the holiday!

Interesting facts

Amazing facts about the celebration:

• Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Torah, the holy book.
• Today, it is considered one of the main holidays for Jews, but this was not always the case.
• In 2013, Hanukkah coincided with Thanksgiving, which led to many jokes.
• On each day of the celebration, a new candle is lit on the menorah, a special candelabrum.
• Today, it is not customary to sing songs or hymns during Hanukkah, but there are exceptions for children.
• In 1999, a stamp was issued in the United States to commemorate the celebration of good relations between peoples.

How to take part

It is customary during Hanukkah to give gifts, increasing in value with each of the eight days. Mostly, these gifts are given to children. Before the date, people clean their houses, cook dishes in oil, and decorate the interior. It is believed that everyone should be kind and hospitable to bring good luck until the next celebration. Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), both fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil.

When is Hanukkah in 2024?

Hanukkah is observed on different dates each year as it follows the Hebrew calendar. Here are the dates for the upcoming years: