Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
Hanukkah (חנוכה) always begins on the 25th day of Kislev (כסלו) in the Hebrew calendar—starts at nightfall on 25DEC24 and ends with nightfall on 02JAN25.
However, this date shifts on the Gregorian calendar due to the differences between lunar and solar calendars.
As a Humanist with no affiliation to any established religion my holiday wish to all is to live to the best of our ability as the song says, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.
A menorah with 7 candlesis known as the Temple Menorah. This design is based on the menorah described in the Torah, specifically in the Book of Exodus, which was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. It symbolises the light of God, wisdom, and divine inspiration, and its use is more symbolic or decorative in modern contexts, often seen in synagogues or as art.
On the other hand, a menorah with 9 candles is called a Hanukkah menorah or Hanukkiah. This is used specifically during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. The Hanukkiah has eight branches, one for each day of the miracle, plus a ninth, usually higher or centrally placed candle known as the Shamash or helper candle, which is used to light the others. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, starting from the right, until all eight (plus the Shamash) are lit on the final night.
Any rabbis out there, feel free to fact check me and update us !
I went through many shops and markets while in Israel earlier this year and could never find a Menorah with 9 but I did bring back the 7 candle version.
Did you know that the original Menorah used in the Temple is still there with the Original Ark of the Covenant in a secret place in Israel ?
Many people have tried to get to it but failed. The only time it will be brought out is when the Third Temple is built and ready.
Thank you for this timely piece, Jason. Here's to the Jews and Jewish tradition!
Hanukkah (חנוכה) always begins on the 25th day of Kislev (כסלו) in the Hebrew calendar—starts at nightfall on 25DEC24 and ends with nightfall on 02JAN25.
However, this date shifts on the Gregorian calendar due to the differences between lunar and solar calendars.
Thank you for this. I will post a link in my upcoming essay about the holidays. Happy Chanukah. 🕎🙏🥰
Happy Hanukkah. Modern Maccabee heroes are living amongst us today.
Happy Hannukah! 🕎
As a Humanist with no affiliation to any established religion my holiday wish to all is to live to the best of our ability as the song says, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.
Absolutely, hope everyone enjoys their respective holidays or just the season for those not celebrating anything at all.
I always wanted to know what the difference was between a Menorah with 7 candles and 9 candles. Are they used for specific reasons ?
The lambing season when young lambs are born is during spring in Israel ? Am I correct ?
A menorah with 7 candlesis known as the Temple Menorah. This design is based on the menorah described in the Torah, specifically in the Book of Exodus, which was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. It symbolises the light of God, wisdom, and divine inspiration, and its use is more symbolic or decorative in modern contexts, often seen in synagogues or as art.
On the other hand, a menorah with 9 candles is called a Hanukkah menorah or Hanukkiah. This is used specifically during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. The Hanukkiah has eight branches, one for each day of the miracle, plus a ninth, usually higher or centrally placed candle known as the Shamash or helper candle, which is used to light the others. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, starting from the right, until all eight (plus the Shamash) are lit on the final night.
Any rabbis out there, feel free to fact check me and update us !
Thank you for the wonderful explanation 👍🏾
I went through many shops and markets while in Israel earlier this year and could never find a Menorah with 9 but I did bring back the 7 candle version.
Did you know that the original Menorah used in the Temple is still there with the Original Ark of the Covenant in a secret place in Israel ?
Many people have tried to get to it but failed. The only time it will be brought out is when the Third Temple is built and ready.
Thank you Jason! May the light of Chanukah 🕎 and its story of dedication grace your family and all of us !!