Hanukkah
Hanukkah חג חנוכה.jpg
Dreidels, hanukkiah, and sufganiyot
Official nameHebrew:חֲנֻכָּהorחֲנוּכָּה
English translation: 'Establishing' or 'Dedication' (of the Temple in Jerusalem)
Observed byJews
TypeJewish
SignificanceThe Maccabees successfully revolted against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to the Talmud, a later text, 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.
CelebrationsLighting 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 thedreidelgame, and giving Hanukkahgelt
Begins25 Kislev
Ends2 Tevet or 3 Tevet
Date25 Kislev, 26 Kislev, 27 Kislev, 28 Kislev, 29 Kislev, 30 Kislev, 1 Tevet, 2 Tevet, 3 Tevet
2021 dateSunset, 28 November –
nightfall, 6 December
2022 dateSunset, 18 December –
nightfall, 26 December
2023 dateSunset, 7 December –
nightfall, 15 December
2024 dateSunset, 25 December –
nightfall, 2 January
Related toPurim, as a rabbinically decreed holiday.