Hanukkah 2025: When to Celebrate, Traditions, and Meaning of the Festival of Lights

According to glavcom.ua: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. It is also called the 'Festival of Eight Candles' or the 'Festival of Lights', with the main symbol being the menorah lamp with eight lit candles.

Hanukkah is one of the happiest holidays in the Jewish calendar, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, faith over fear, and spiritual resilience over persecution. It is celebrated for eight days, usually in December. Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of faith, resilience, and the unity of family and community. The light of the menorah symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the support of hope even in the darkest times.

When Hanukkah is Celebrated in 2025

Hanukkah lasts for eight days, starting on the 25th of the month of Kislev, which corresponds to late November to December. In 2025, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 14 and end on the evening of December 22. This is a holiday of miracles and the victory of good over evil.

The History of the Festival of Lights

The history of Hanukkah dates back to the time when Judea was under the rule of the Greeks. In 175–164 BCE, Judea was ruled by King Antiochus IV, who forbade the Jews from studying the Torah, practicing Jewish traditions, and desecrated their temples. The people revolted, and the struggle lasted three years. The Jews triumphed and defeated Antiochus, but during the rebellion, their sanctuaries were looted.

After their victory, the Jews ascended to the Temple Mount to purify and sanctify the desecrated Jerusalem temple. For this, they needed oil for sanctification, but there was only enough for one day. However, the 'miracle of Hanukkah' occurred - the lamp lit in the temple burned for eight days, allowing for the complete sanctification of the temple.

In memory of this, people light eight candles, expressing gratitude to God for the miracle and support.

Traditions and Customs

The main symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah - an eight-branched candelabra with a ninth additional candle (shamash). Each day, a new candle is lit from the holy candle.

For eight days, Jews light candles in the menorah, adding one each day: one on the first day, two on the second, and so on. The candles are placed from right to left but lit from left to right. The candles lit before sunset should burn for at least 30 minutes after dark.

The light of the Hanukkah candles cannot be used for household needs, such as at work or for reading.

An ancient tradition of lighting Hanukkah lights is obligatory for all, regardless of social status. After Hanukkah ends, the remaining oil and wicks should be burned.

Throughout the eight days, prayers of thanks known as 'Hallel' are recited in synagogues. There is also a custom to place the menorah in the window for everyone to see, sharing in the joy of the miracle.

Celebrating Hanukkah

During the holiday, Jewish families hold lavish feasts. During Hanukkah, potato pancakes known as latkes and donuts ('sufganiyot') with various fillings are prepared.

Hanukkah Greetings for 2025

Happy Hanukkah! May each day of the holiday bring light, hope, warmth, and prosperity to your home.

An interesting infographic describes the history and traditions of Hanukkah, including the meaning of the holiday, ways of celebration, and the symbolism of light reflected in the lighting of eight candles during eight days of celebrations. It also reveals the dates of Hanukkah celebrations in 2025 and provides greetings on the occasion of this bright holiday.