Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) commemorates the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. When the Jews reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem, they found only enough pure oil to light the menorah for one day.

Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days—the time needed to prepare new oil. This miracle of the oil is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights and is called the Festival of Lights.

The holiday celebrates themes of religious freedom, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The Hanukkah menorah (called a hanukkiah) has nine branches: eight for each night of the holiday plus the shamash (helper candle) used to light the others.

Candles are added from right to left but lit from left to right, adding one new candle each night. The menorah is typically placed in a window to publicize the miracle.

Blessings are recited each night before lighting, and many families sing traditional songs like 'Maoz Tzur' afterward.

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Playing dreidel is a beloved Hanukkah game. The four-sided spinning top displays Hebrew letters that stand for 'A great miracle happened there' (or 'here' in Israel).

Gift-giving has become a common practice, especially for children, though traditionally Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins or real money) was given.

FAQ

When is Hanukkah 2026?

Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 25, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, January 2, 2027.

How do you spell Hanukkah?

Both 'Hanukkah' and 'Chanukah' are correct English spellings. The word comes from Hebrew (חֲנֻכָּה), and there's no single 'correct' transliteration.

What time do you light the menorah?

The menorah is traditionally lit after nightfall (about 30 minutes after sunset). On Friday, it's lit before Shabbat candles, and on Saturday night, after Havdalah.

Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?

No. Hanukkah and Christmas happen to fall around the same time of year, but they commemorate entirely different events. Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Jewish tradition, while Shabbat and holidays like Passover and Yom Kippur are more significant.

What do the dreidel letters mean?

The Hebrew letters נ (Nun), ג (Gimel), ה (Hey), and ש (Shin) stand for 'Nes Gadol Hayah Sham'—'A great miracle happened there.' In Israel, the last letter is פ (Pey) for 'here.'