Hanukkah (or Chanukah) the “Festival of Lights” Begins Tonight, Dec. 2nd

Report by Paula Antolini
December 2, 2018 7:39PM EDT

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) the “Festival of Lights” Begins Tonight, Dec. 2nd

This year HANUKKAH (or CHANUKAH) 2018 is celebrated from Nightfall on December 2 to Nightfall on December 10.

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

Hanukkah Traditions

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

 

*****

Chanukah (Hanukkah) starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev, and lasts for eight days.

 

*****

Happy Hanukkah to All Our Readers!

Have a wonderful holiday!

BETHEL ADVOCATE News Media

 

###