What is the date of Hanukkah this year? As the Jewish festival of lights approaches, many people are eager to know the exact dates for this year’s celebration. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its liberation from Greek-Syrian occupation in the second century BCE. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and the lighting of candles to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. Let’s explore the significance of Hanukkah and discover the dates for this year’s celebration.
Hanukkah is based on the Hebrew calendar, which is a lunar calendar, and its dates vary each year according to the Jewish lunar cycle. This year, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 10th and will end on the evening of December 18th. The festival is traditionally observed with the lighting of candles on a menorah, the recitation of prayers, and the eating of foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).
The story of Hanukkah dates back to the second century BCE when the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, fought against the Greek-Syrian Seleucid Empire to regain control of the Temple in Jerusalem. After the victory, the Maccabees sought to rededicate the Temple and restore Jewish religious practices. During the restoration, they discovered a single cruse of pure olive oil that had been untouched for years. Miraculously, this small amount of oil lasted for eight days, which is the duration of Hanukkah.
The festival of Hanukkah is not only a celebration of the Maccabees’ victory but also a symbol of the importance of religious freedom and the resilience of the Jewish people. It is a time for families to come together, share stories, and reflect on the values of faith, hope, and perseverance.
In addition to the lighting of candles, Hanukkah is also celebrated with various customs and traditions. One of the most popular customs is the playing of dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is played for small candies or coins, and it represents the Jewish people’s ability to find joy and humor even in difficult times.
As we approach this year’s Hanukkah, it is important to remember the significance of the festival and the values it represents. The dates of Hanukkah may vary each year, but the spirit of the celebration remains constant. So, what is the date of Hanukkah this year? December 10th to December 18th, a time to come together, light candles, and celebrate the miracle of the oil that has been passed down through generations.
