Celebrations
When is Hanukkah in 2024? The reason why it’s celebrated on different days each year
Hanukkah is one of the most important celebrations for Jews. Find out the exact date of the holiday in 2024 and why it is celebrated on different days.
Hannukah is one of the most important celebrations for the Jewish community.
This holiday, also known as Luminaries or Feast of Lights, lasts eight days and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, as well as the rebellion of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire. As its name indicates, the word Hannukah means “rededication” in Hebrew.
The tradition is to light nine candles, one for each night of celebration, plus a “servant” candle known as a “shamash,” on a menorah, which is a special candelabrum made up of nine bases.
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The lighting of the candles represents the miracle of light, which refers to the moment when Judah lit the temple candelabrum to the Hebrew God with a single phial of oil, enough to keep it lit for one night.
However, the fire burned for eight days, during which time the Jews managed to produce more oil to keep the light burning.
Because the menorah symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, during the candle lighting, Jews usually recite special prayers, as well as share good wishes and blessings for their community. They also sing songs and exchange gifts, making this celebration similar to Christmas.
When is Hanukkah in 2024?
In 2024, Hannukah will begin on Wednesday night, Dec. 25. Considering that the celebration lasts eight nights, the holiday will end on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
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The reason why Hanukkah is celebrated on a different day every year
Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on Dec. 25 each year, the start of Hanukkah varies from one year to another.
This is because the celebration falls on the eve of the 25th of the month of Kislev and continues until the second day of the month of Teslev on the Hebrew calendar.
The Hebrew calendar is completely different from the calendar widely used in the world, as the former is based on a lunar calendar, while the latter on the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the Hebrew dates move around, although, generally, Hannukah falls between late November and mid-December.
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