Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an annual Jewish holiday steeped in faith and ancient history. It is celebrated for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in December. People of all backgrounds honor their ancestors and commemorate events from centuries ago. Learn more about it and join the celebrations!

History

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, traces its roots to the 2nd century BC. After Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented, the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes took control of Judea and forbade Jewish practices such as Torah study, circumcision and Shabbat observance. In response, the Maccabean Revolt overthrew the Seleucids and rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem. When the Jews sought to relight the Temple menorah, they found only one small jar of consecrated oil—enough for a single day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days, allowing them time to press new olive oil. This miracle is the foundation of the eight-day festival.

Interesting facts

• Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (the Torah) but is detailed in the books of Maccabees.
• It became widely celebrated only in medieval times and was not initially one of Judaism’s major festivals.
• In 2013, Hanukkah overlapped with Thanksgiving—an event sometimes called “Thanksgivukkah.”
• Each night a new candle is lit on the menorah, so that by the eighth night all eight lights shine.
• Traditional foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), both fried in oil to recall the miracle of the oil.
• The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative Hanukkah stamp in 1996 celebrating Jewish heritage.

How to take part

During Hanukkah it is customary to light the menorah each evening, adding one candle per night until all eight are lit. Homes are often decorated with symbols of the holiday, and families exchange small gifts and play the dreidel game. Special meals feature potato latkes, sufganiyot, and other fried delicacies. Community events and public menorah lightings are held worldwide—everyone is welcome to join.

When is Hanukkah in 2025?

Hanukkah is observed for eight days each year, beginning on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. Here are the start dates for the upcoming years:

Start dates (first full day)