Ready for eight days of menorah glow, fried goodness, and a whole lot of dreidel spinning? Hanukkah 2024 is around the corner, so whether you’re new to the holiday or just need a refresher (because, let’s face it, the Jewish calendar always keeps us guessing), here’s your ultimate overview of the Festival of Lights.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is like winter’s version of a fireworks show – except the sparks come from candles, and the explosions happen in your taste buds (hello, latkes!). This eight-day celebration kicks off with menorah lightings, heartfelt prayers, and enough fried foods to make your gym membership wince.
Translation Moment: Hanukkah means “inauguration,” because it commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees heroically gave the Greek army a one-way ticket out of Judea in 139 BCE.
When Is Hanukkah 2024?
This year, Hanukkah starts on Dec. 25:
First candle: Nightfall on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024
Last candle: Jan. 1, 2025
Pro tip: Try ushering in the new year with a menorah in one hand and a sufganiyah (jelly donut) in the other.
Why Do We Celebrate Hanukkah?
Two miracles are at the heart of Hanukkah:
The small band of Jewish freedom fighters (the Maccabees) defeating a mighty Greek army.
A one-day supply of oil in the Temple’s menorah lasting a full eight days.
Yes, this is the Jewish version of the ultimate underdog story – like Rocky, but with olive oil instead of boxing gloves.
How Do You Celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah isn’t just about lighting candles (although, let’s be honest, there’s something magical about the flickering flames). Here’s the full lineup:
Candle lighting: Add one candle each night and light them from left to right. (Don’t forget the ninth candle, the shammash – your “assistant” flame.)
Fried foods: Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot steal the show. Bonus points if you add a cheesy dish to honor Judith, the unsung heroine who used dairy to take down a Greek general.
Games: Spin the dreidel and hope for a gimmel (it means you win the pot).
Gelt: Whether it’s real cash or foil-wrapped chocolate coins, gelt is all about sweetening the celebration.
Why do the dates change every year?
Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which runs on a lunar cycle. The result? Hanukkah might show up anywhere from late November to late December.
Is Hanukkah a big deal?
It’s technically a minor holiday in Jewish law, but the messages of resilience and miracles are pretty major. Plus, it’s the only time of year when calories from fried food are practically a mitzvah.
What’s the deal with blue-and-white candles?
While you can use any candles (polka dots? neon? Go for it!), blue and white are popular thanks to their association with the Israeli flag.
What About Gifts?
Here’s the thing: Gift-giving on Hanukkah is a relatively modern tradition. Historically, Jewish kids received gelt (money) as a reward for Torah study. Somewhere along the way, gelt turned into chocolate coins, and chocolate coins turned into eight nights of Amazon deliveries.
Hanukkah by the Numbers
8 days of light and joy
9 candles on the menorah (yes, the shammash counts!)
1 heroic woman who made cheese a weapon of war (#JudithFanClub)
Countless latkes – because is one ever enough?
Whether you’re lighting candles at home, singing “Maoz Tzur,” or indulging in a doughnut (or three), Hanukkah 2024 is all about lighting menorahs and celebrating miracles, so grab your menorah, pick your dreidel strategy, and let the Festival of Lights begin!
