When Is Hanukkah 2024?

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Post on Dec 25, 2024

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When is Hanukkah 2024? Your Guide to the Festival of Lights

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Unlike many other holidays, the date of Hanukkah changes each year, following the Hebrew calendar. So, when is Hanukkah 2024?

Hanukkah 2024 Dates: December 11th - 19th

Mark your calendars! Hanukkah in 2024 begins at sunset on Wednesday, December 11th, and ends at sunset on Thursday, December 19th.

This means you have eight wonderful nights to enjoy the traditions of Hanukkah, including:

• Lighting the Menorah: The central act of Hanukkah, lighting one candle on the first night, and adding a candle each night until all eight are lit.
• Playing Dreidel: A fun game of chance, often played with chocolate coins (gelt).
• Eating Latkes and Sufganiyot: Delicious fried potato pancakes and jelly-filled doughnuts are traditional Hanukkah treats.
• Giving Gifts: While not as central as in some other holidays, many families exchange gifts throughout the eight nights.

Understanding the Hebrew Calendar and Hanukkah's Date

The shifting date of Hanukkah stems from its connection to the Hebrew lunar calendar. This calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar (the one most of the world uses), which is solar-based. The Hebrew calendar's months are lunar cycles, resulting in a slightly different alignment each year.

Because Hanukkah falls on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, the Gregorian date varies. This means that Hanukkah can sometimes fall in late November or early December.

Planning Ahead for Hanukkah 2024

Knowing the dates now allows you to plan ahead:

• Purchase Menorahs and Candles: Ensure you have everything you need to light the menorah each night.
• Stock Up on Treats: Latkes and sufganiyot are best enjoyed fresh, so plan your baking or purchasing accordingly.
• Arrange Family Gatherings: Coordinate schedules with family and friends to celebrate together.
• Consider Gifts: Start thinking about gifts for loved ones if you plan on exchanging them.

Beyond the Dates: The Meaning of Hanukkah

While knowing when Hanukkah is celebrated is important, understanding why it's celebrated is even more significant. Hanukkah's story is one of perseverance, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness. It's a celebration of religious freedom and the miracle of a single day's worth of oil lasting for eight days.

This enduring message of hope makes Hanukkah a meaningful celebration for Jewish people worldwide. So, plan your celebration and enjoy the festivities! Happy Hanukkah!

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