Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

A hands-on journey through the eight-day festival of light, wonder, and unwavering faith.

Eight Nights of Light and Dedication

Date and Central Theme

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) starts on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and is celebrated for eight days and nights. It typically occurs in late November or December. The term "Hanukkah" means "dedication," marking the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt. Though religiously minor, it is a significant cultural celebration centered on publicizing the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, highlighting themes of religious freedom and the victory of light over darkness.

Placeholder image of a lit Hanukkah menorah.

The Central Symbol: The Menorah

Placeholder image of a dreidel (spinning top).

The Tradition of the Dreidel

The Historical Miracle of the Oil

The Maccabean Revolt and the Eternal Flame

Around 168 BCE, the Seleucid Greeks seized the Holy Temple and rededicated it to their gods. A small group of Jewish rebels, led by **Judah Maccabee**, reclaimed and purified the Temple. When they attempted to relight the **Menorah**, they discovered only a single jug of ritually pure olive oil—sufficient for just **one day**. Miraculously, the oil lasted for **eight days**, allowing time to produce more kosher oil. This miracle inspired the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, symbolizing divine intervention and Jewish perseverance.

Core Traditions: Light, Food, and Play

The main customs tie closely to the miracle, focusing on oil and light.

1. Menorah Lighting

Each night, a new candle is lit using the **Shammash** (helper), until all eight shine brightly on the last evening, proudly on display.

2. Oily Foods

To honor the oil miracle, people enjoy fried foods like **Latkes** (potato pancakes) and **Sufganiyot** (jelly donuts).

3. Dreidel Game

A game with a spinning top, played for **gelt** (chocolate coins), where Hebrew letters mean "A great miracle happened there."

4. Giving Gelt (Gifts)

The practice of gifting kids money (or chocolate coins, Gelt) fosters generosity and has grown into a nightly small-gift tradition.

Visualizing the Hanukkah Meal Components

An overview of key elements in a Hanukkah feast, emphasizing the tradition of fried treats.

Hover on the segments to view the percentage split for each meal part.

20 Hanukkah Wishes & Greetings

Heartfelt and classic wishes to share throughout the eight nights of joy.

Chag Sameach! Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah!
May your lights shine bright through all eight nights.
Wishing you a holiday filled with peace and light.
Happy Festival of Lights! Enjoy your latkes and sufganiyot.
May the spirit of the Maccabees inspire you.
Here's to freedom, hope, and resilience. Happy Hanukkah!
Wishing you a Hanukkah full of family, fun, and gelt!
May your menorah be a source of warmth and pride.
Wishing you joy and prosperity this holiday season.
May the light of the miracle guide your way.
L'Chaim! To life and to light!
May the flames remind us of the power of faith.
Shine brightly this Hanukkah!
Wishing you many happy spins of the dreidel!
Happy Hanukkah! Wishing you delicious food and great company.
May your Hanukkah be blessed with peace.
Celebrate the dedication and the triumph of light.
Kol tuv—All the best to you and yours this Hanukkah.
May your home glow with the light of the candles.
Wishing you eight amazing nights!