When is first night Hanukkah? This is a question that many people ask as they prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Dedication or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. The first night of Hanukkah marks the beginning of this joyous celebration, and it is always observed on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
Understanding the timing of Hanukkah is important because it is a movable feast, falling on different dates on the Gregorian calendar each year. The first night of Hanukkah typically falls between late November and late December, and it is determined by the Hebrew lunar calendar. In 2023, for example, the first night of Hanukkah is on December 18th, which is a date that changes every year.
As the holiday approaches, families and friends gather to light the menorah, a candelabra with nine branches. The first night is special because it marks the lighting of the shabbat candles, which are placed in the center of the menorah. The remaining eight candles are lit on subsequent nights, with one additional candle being lit each night, starting from the right and moving to the left. This tradition symbolizes the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days and nights in the Temple.
Additionally, Hanukkah is celebrated with various customs and traditions. One of the most popular is playing dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is played for small candies or toys, and it is believed to have originated during the time of the Maccabees, who used the game as a way to study Torah without being detected by their enemies.
Another significant aspect of Hanukkah is the consumption of foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). These dishes are traditionally eaten during the holiday, as they represent the miracle of the oil that provided light for the Temple.
In conclusion, the first night of Hanukkah is a time for joy, celebration, and the remembrance of the historical event that led to the rededication of the Second Temple. As the holiday approaches, it is important to be aware of the date, which can be found by consulting a Jewish calendar or by using online resources. By understanding the significance of Hanukkah and its traditions, individuals can fully appreciate the meaning behind this special time of year.
