Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. For those looking forward to this special holiday, knowing the precise dates is crucial for planning celebrations and gatherings. So, when does Hanukkah start in 2025?
The answer is: Hanukkah in 2025 begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 10th, and ends at sundown on Wednesday, December 18th.
Understanding the Hanukkah Calendar
Unlike holidays fixed to the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah follows the lunisolar Hebrew calendar. This means the dates shift each year. The holiday always begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar, it doesn't perfectly align with the solar Gregorian calendar, resulting in yearly variations in the start date of Hanukkah.
Celebrating Hanukkah: Traditions and Customs
Hanukkah is an eight-day festival commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle of the oil is central to the celebration: a single day's worth of oil miraculously burned for eight days. This miracle is observed through the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, each night for eight nights.
Here are some key traditions and customs associated with Hanukkah:
Lighting the Menorah
The most prominent Hanukkah tradition is the nightly lighting of the menorah. Each night, another candle is lit, starting with one on the first night and culminating in eight candles on the final night. A ninth candle, called the shamash (helper candle), is used to light the others.
Eating Traditional Foods
Fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are traditional Hanukkah treats, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.
Playing Dreidel
Dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, is a popular Hanukkah game played with chocolate coins or other small prizes.
Giving Gifts
While not as central as in other holidays, gift-giving is a growing tradition, often for children.
Planning Your 2025 Hanukkah Celebration
Knowing that Hanukkah begins on December 10th, 2025, allows you to begin planning your celebrations. Whether you're looking to purchase menorahs, gather family and friends, or simply prepare delicious Hanukkah meals, having the date allows for ample time for preparation.
This comprehensive guide ensures you are well-prepared for the joyous celebration of Hanukkah 2025. Remember to check your local Jewish community center or synagogue for specific events and services taking place during the festival. Chag Hanukkah Sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!)
