Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. This unique candle is called the shammash. Each night, one additional candle is lit by the shammash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival. Other Hanukkah festivities include singing Hanukkah songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods.
| Official name | Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה or חֲנוּכָּה , English translation: 'Establishing' or 'Dedication' (of the Temple in Jerusalem) |
| Observed by | Jews |
| Significance | The Maccabees successfully revolted against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to the Talmud, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting. |
| Celebrations | Lighting candles each night. Singing special songs, such as Ma'oz Tzur. Reciting the Hallel prayer. Eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods. Playing the dreidel game, and giving Hanukkah gelt |
| Begins | 25 Kislev |
| Ends | 2 Tevet or 3 Tevet |
| Related to | Purim, as a rabbinically decreed holiday. |
About Hanukkah
Jewish festival that celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem and the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The festival is observed for eight days and nights beginning on the 25th day of Kislev. Each night sees the lighting of a candle atop the nine branched menorah.
Achievement of Hanukkah
The holiday's name is derived from the Hebrew word for dedicate. In contemporary culture the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Hanukkah
Hanukkah Category.. Jewish holidays - Jewish holidays, also known as Jewish festivals or Yamim Tovim, are holidays observed in Judaism and by Jews throughout the Hebrew calendar.. Cultural depictions of the Maccabees.. Traditions involving fire.
