How many days till Hanukkah?

How many days till Hanukkah?

A summary

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights and days. It commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem. During the Hanukkah festival candles are lighted. The candle holder often has nine arms with one candle being placed above the others, and used for lightning the other candles.

During Hanukkah presents are given, and children are encouraged to give charity in exchange of presents for themselves.

Date and days to Hanukkah

The calendar date and days to go until Hanukkah are as follows:

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish festival that typically occurs in December, lasting for eight nights and days. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to commemorate a historic event from Jewish history, the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE.

What is special about Hanukkah?

Key aspects of Hanukkah include:

• The Miracle of the Oil: The central story of Hanukkah revolves around the rededication of the Second Temple after it was desecrated by the Seleucid King Antiochus IV. When the Jews reclaimed the Temple, they found only a small amount of pure olive oil to light the menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum) inside. Miraculously, the oil that should have lasted for just one day burned for eight days, until new, pure oil could be prepared. This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights.
• The Menorah: The most iconic symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a special nine-branched candelabrum. Each night during Hanukkah, one additional candle is lit, starting with one on the first night and ending with eight on the eighth night. The ninth candle, known as the “shamash” (helper or servant), is used to light the other candles.
• Dreidel: A popular game during Hanukkah involves spinning a four-sided spinning top called a “dreidel.” The dreidel has Hebrew letters on its sides, which stand for the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” meaning “A great miracle happened there” (or “here” in Israel).
• Fried Foods: To commemorate the miracle of the oil, it is a tradition to eat foods fried in oil during Hanukkah. The most common Hanukkah treat is the “sufganiyah,” a jelly-filled doughnut, and latkes, which are potato pancakes.
• Gift-Giving: While not traditionally a gift-giving holiday like Christmas, gift-giving has become more common during Hanukkah, especially in Jewish communities outside of Israel. Children often receive small gifts or “gelt,” which are chocolate coins.
• Family Gatherings: Hanukkah is a time for families to come together, light the menorah, sing traditional songs, and share festive meals.
• Hallel and Special Prayers: Special prayers and psalms known as “Hallel” are recited during Hanukkah to praise and thank God for the miracles associated with the holiday.

Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness. It holds a special place in Jewish tradition and is a time for reflection on the values of faith and resilience. While its historical origins are rooted in a specific event, Hanukkah’s message of hope and the power of miracles resonates with people of all backgrounds.

Frequently asked questions about Hanukkah

More information about Hanukkah can be found here.

All days and dates are based on Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)