Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most recognized holidays in the Jewish calendar. In 2025, this eight-day celebration begins on Sunday, December 14, and concludes on December 22.
Significance of Hanukkah
This holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, capturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple in 165 BCE. The miraculous events surrounding the Temple’s menorah, which burned for eight days on a single day’s worth of oil, are central to Hanukkah’s meaning.
Traditions and Celebrations
- Candle Lighting: Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.
- Fried Foods: Foods like latkes, or potato pancakes, are commonly served during this festive period.
- Dreidel Game: The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is traditionally played, adding to the holiday’s fun and spirit.
Hanukkah 2025 Dates
In 2025, the important dates for Hanukkah are as follows:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 14 | First Night of Hanukkah |
| December 22 | Last Night of Hanukkah |
Comparison to Other Jewish Holidays
While Hanukkah is widely celebrated and often coincides with Christmas, it is not the holiest holiday in Judaism. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, are considered the most significant observances.
As the Festival of Lights approaches, families and communities prepare to celebrate the enduring spirit and historical significance of Hanukkah.
