Hanukkah Festival 2024 - Definition, History, Custom

Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, starts at sundown on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This eight-day celebration honours the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days. During the festival, families traditionally light the menorah, adding one candle each night, while participating in prayers, singing songs, and sharing festive meals.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished Jewish celebration that symbolises hope, resilience, and togetherness. This article explores the rich traditions and history behind Hanukkah, offering insights into why it is celebrated and how it has evolved over the years.

What is the Hanukkah Festival?

Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, celebrated over eight days to honour a significant historical and spiritual event. The story dates back to the 2nd century BCE when the Jewish people regained control of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by foreign forces. When they sought to rededicate the Temple, they found only a small amount of oil to light the menorah—a sacred lamp—but miraculously, the oil burned for eight days. This extraordinary event is at the heart of Hanukkah, symbolising perseverance, divine intervention, and the enduring power of faith.

Why is Hanukkah celebrated for 8 days?

Around 164 BCE, the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, revolted against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire, which sought to suppress Jewish religious practices and culture. After their victory, the Maccabees reclaimed the desecrated Second Temple in Jerusalem and sought to purify and rededicate it to God.

The Miracle of the Oil

As part of the rededication, they needed to light the menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum) in the Temple, which was meant to burn continuously. However, they found only a small amount of ritually pure oil—enough to keep the menorah lit for just one day. Miraculously, that small amount of oil burned for eight days, giving them enough time to prepare and consecrate new oil.

Significance of 8 Days

To honour this miracle, the Jewish sages established Hanukkah as an eight-day festival of lights. Each night, an additional candle is lit on the menorah (or hanukkiah), culminating in all eight candles glowing brightly on the final night.

Symbolism

• The eight days symbolise faith, resilience, and divine intervention.

• The festival also celebrates the perseverance of Jewish identity and religious freedom.

How is Hanukkah Celebrated?

Hanukkah is a festival filled with joy, rituals, and togetherness. The most recognisable tradition is the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. Each evening, one additional candle is lit using the shamash (the helper candle), until all eight candles are glowing by the final night. Families gather around the menorah to recite blessings and sing songs, creating a warm and spiritual atmosphere.

Children and adults alike enjoy spinning the dreidel, a four-sided top with Hebrew letters, to play a fun and symbolic game that often involves chocolate coins or small prizes. Gift-giving is also an integral part of the celebration, with many families exchanging presents on each night of Hanukkah.

In addition to these traditions, Hanukkah is a time to share stories of courage and resilience, reminding everyone of the values the festival upholds. Communities may also come together for public menorah lighting, concerts, and festive gatherings, spreading the light and joy of Hanukkah beyond individual homes.

Traditional Hanukkah Foods

• No Hanukkah celebration is complete without its delicious traditional foods, many of which are cooked in oil to symbolise the miracle of the oil. 

• Latkes, or potato pancakes, are perhaps the most iconic Hanukkah dish. They are crispy, golden, and often served with sour cream or applesauce. 

• Another favourite is sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar, which bring a sweet touch to the celebrations.

• In addition to these classics, many families incorporate their culinary traditions, such as brisket, kugel, or roasted vegetables. Sharing these foods with loved ones is a meaningful way to honour the festival’s spirit of gratitude and togetherness.

Conclusion

Hanukkah is more than just a celebration of a historical event; it is a time to reflect on the strength of faith, the power of hope, and the importance of family and community. Whether through the glow of the menorah, the laughter during a game of dreidel, or the joy of sharing festive meals, Hanukkah brings light and warmth into the lives of all who celebrate it. As we prepare for Hanukkah 2024, let’s carry forward its timeless lessons and spread its light to everyone around us.