Hanukkah: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Hanukkah (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Hanukkah is celebrated on December 18th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Hanukkah, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about Hanukkah.

📅 What day is Hanukkah 2024?

In 2024, Hanukkah is on Monday, December 18th. It is the 3rd Monday in December; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about December 18, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights or the Jewish Festival of Rededication, is an annual eight-day celebration on the Hebrew calendar. It occurs on the 25th of Kislev, which usually falls in December on the Gregorian calendar. In 2022, Hanukkah will be observed from December 18th to December 26th. This festival marks the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

📜 Hanukkah History

Hanukkah has a complex history, similar to other religious and ancient festivals. It originated during a challenging time for the Jewish people. Around 200 B.C., Antiochus III, the ruler of Syria, took control of Judea (now Israel/Palestine) and allowed the Jews to practice their faith. However, his son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was harsher. He outlawed Judaism and forced the Jews to worship Greek gods.

In 168 B.C., Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ army attacked Jerusalem, killing many and defiling the Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs inside. This sparked a large-scale rebellion led by a Jewish priest named Mattathias and his sons, with Judah Maccabee taking charge after his father’s death. Through guerrilla warfare, the Jews eventually drove out the Syrians and regained the freedom to practice their religion.

During the rededication of the Second Temple, a miracle occurred. There was only enough pure olive oil to light the menorah, a golden candelabrum with seven branches, for one night. However, the oil miraculously burned for eight nights, giving them enough time to find a new supply. This miracle led to the establishment of an annual eight-day feast, now known as Hanukkah.

The story of Hanukkah is not found in the Torah, as it took place after the Torah was written. However, it is mentioned in the New Testament when Jesus attends a “Feast of Dedication,” which refers to Hanukkah.

✅ Hanukkah Facts

🔖 The duration of Hanukkah
Hanukkah lasts for eight nights because the holy light continues to burn for that long.

🔖 A menorah is burned on each night
The menorah is a special candle holder that has nine candles and is lit every evening.

🔖 The meaning of Hanukkah
In the English language, the term “signifies dedication.”

👍 Why Is Hanukkah Important

Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish victory over a tyrant king as well as the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews fought for their freedom and reclaimed their holy temple. To rededicate it, they needed to light the menorah, but there was only enough oil for one day. The oil miraculously burned for eight days. Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday commemorating the eight-day miracle.

Hanukkah is more than just one night of pleasure; it lasts eight! That means eight nights to gather with family and friends to light the menorah, share a nice dinner, and, yes, exchange gifts!

It’s customary during Hanukkah to honor the miracle oil by consuming items fried in it! That means delectable latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sweet jelly doughnuts.

🙂 How To Observe Hanukkah

⚡ Play dreidel

⚡ Light the menorah
During Hanukkah, you can use the main candle called the “shamash” to light one of the eight candles on the menorah every night. By doing this, all eight candles will be lit by the end of Hanukkah.

⚡ Give some gelt
A dreidel is an old-fashioned four-sided spinning toy. Each side bears a Hebrew letter: “nun” means “do nothing,” “shin” means “put one in,” “he” means “half of what’s in the middle,” and “gimel” means “entire pot.” Have fun playing with gelt or real money!

📅 When is Hanukkah?

View all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Family holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Hanukkah. So be sure to check back soon.