How long is Hanukkah?
The dates of this Jewish holiday are determined by the ancient Hebrew calendar, which is based on a lunar cycle. While it falls on the same day every year on the Jewish calendar—the 25th of Kislev—it's not perfectly in sync with the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah can fall anywhere between late November to late December. This year, the Festival of Lights kicks off on December 10 and ends on the evening of December 18.
The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the miracle experienced by the Maccabees during the rededication of the Second Temple in their fight to uphold their beliefs. According to tradition, when the Maccabees lit the menorah in the temple, they found only enough consecrated oil to fuel the flames for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight nights, providing them with enough time to prepare a fresh supply. This event is celebrated annually as Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and spirituality over materiality.
Hanukkah menorah
So, what exactly is a menorah? Also known as hanukkiah, the menorah is a lampstand that has nine branches. Eight of the branches symbolize the miracle of the oil, while the ninth is known as a helper candle (shamash) that helps keep the other candles lit. People usually place the Hanukkah menorah near a window so it can be seen by passersby—publicly honoring the miracle.
The Hanukkah menorah candles are lit one by one. On the first night of the holiday, the candle on the far right of the menorah is lit along with the shamash. A candle is then lit each night, from left to right, after reciting two blessings.