Hanukkah FAQs
When is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hannukah is celebrated on the 25th day of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar, which generally occurs in December but can coincide with both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holiday is celebrated for 8 nights.
Which Hanukkah candle is lit first?
When you place the candles in the chanukiah, you place them from right to left. But when you light them, you them from light to right. There are 9 candles in the hanukkiah, one for each night plus the shamash, the helper candle. You use the shamash to light the other candles.
Where is Hanukkah in the bible?
The story of Hanukkah does not appear in the Bible because the events in the story occur after the bible is written. There is mention of the story of Hanukah in the Talmud, which is a later text which details the practice of the holiday and kindling of lights.
How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah, other wise known as the festival of lights is celebrated by lighting the menorah and adding one candle for every night for 8 nights. Traditional “oil” filled foods like potato latkes and jelly donuts are eaten and hanukkiah gelt is gifted.
Why is Hanukkah important?
Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the of the second temple in Jerusalem after it was retaken by the Maccabees from a religious oppressor. It’s a joyous holiday that recants a miracle of a little bit of oil lasting for 8 nights.
Why do you place a menorah in the window?
The ideal place for the menorah is in a window sill facing the street. This is to symbolize the hard-won freedom of the Jews from the oppressors without fear of persecution. It is about spreading light and being joyous.
Where is Hanukkah celebrated?
Hanukkah is celebrated around the world wherever there are Jewish people. It’s celebrated in any location, mostly in peoples’ homes. Its not a holiday that is celebrated in a synagogue and is not a yom tov. There are no restrictions during Hanukkah.