It’s not all about Christmas this time of year! Other religions have their own unique celebrations, some lasting longer or falling on different dates than December 25th. To get you up to speed, we’re diving into what Hanukkah is all about! And this won’t be the only article on non-Christian holidays you’ll find this month!

1 – An Eight-Day Event

Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and eight days, with a varying date each year. This celebration begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah can occur between November and December. This year, for example, Hanukkah started on December 12th and will end on December 20th.

2 – Origin

The origin of Hanukkah dates back to a time before the birth of Christ, or before Christmas. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, a story found in the books of Maccabees. Interestingly, these books are not part of the Hebrew Bible but are included in the Christian Bible.

3 – The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights because, during its eight days, it’s traditional to light a special candelabrum called a Hanukkiah. Each night, a new candle is lit until, on the final night, all the lights are shining.

4 – The Holy Temple

As we mentioned earlier, Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This temple, the second built on Temple Mount, was constructed with the permission of Cyrus II, the king of Persia. Years later, in 167 BCE, the Jewish people revolted against foreign domination and recaptured the temple. Two years later, Judas Maccabeus rededicated the temple, an event still commemorated during Hanukkah.

5 – The Hanukkiah

The Hanukkiah is a nine-branched candelabrum used to celebrate Hanukkah. Unlike the original seven-branched Menorah from the Temple, the Hanukkiah has nine branches, representing the miracle of the oil. According to legend, after the temple was recaptured, there was only enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, but the oil lasted for eight days, the time needed to produce more oil.

6 – Hanukkah Rituals

Lighting the Hanukkiah candles is just one of many rituals during this holiday. The candles must be lit at least half an hour before sunset, accompanied by three prayers. The first candle is lit on the right, and each night, an additional candle is added to the left. Interestingly, the candles are lit from left to right, opposite the order in which they are placed.

7 – Hanukkah Traditions

Just like Christmas, Hanukkah has its own music, traditional dishes, and games. Songs like ‘Ma’oz Tzur’ and ‘Ocho Kandelikas’ are popular, while the cuisine features latkes, a type of potato pancake, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled donuts. The most famous game during this time is the Dreidel, a spinning top with four Hebrew letters that commemorates the miracle of the oil.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main purpose of Hanukkah?

A: The main purpose of Hanukkah is to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.

Q: How long does Hanukkah last?

A: Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and eight days.

Q: What is the Hanukkiah?

A: The Hanukkiah is a nine-branched candelabrum used to celebrate Hanukkah, representing the miracle of the oil.