What is Chanukah (Hanukkah)?

Chanukah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It marks the triumph of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, over a much larger Greek-Syrian army. Central to Chanukah’s narrative is the miracle of the oil, where a small vial, enough for one day, lasted eight days. 

Symbols of Chanukah include the chanukiah (also known as a menorah), a nine-branched candelabrum. Each night, an additional candle is lit until all eight candles are aglow, representing the miraculous oil. The shamash (helper candle) is used to light the other candles and is positioned higher than the rest. Other symbols include dreidels, a four-sided spinning top, and traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), which are enjoyed during the holiday.

Beyond its historical significance, Chanukah serves as a reminder of Jewish resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It fosters a sense of community and family as individuals gather to celebrate, share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in traditions passed down through generations. Above all, this holiday encourages reflection on themes of freedom, identity, and miracles, making it a cherished time for Jewish families worldwide.

The Chanukah story is based on historical events from the second century BCE — the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil. During this period, the Jewish people faced oppression under the Seleucid Empire, particularly from King Antiochus IV, who sought to impose Hellenistic culture and religious practices.

Amidst religious persecution, many Jews were forced to abandon their traditions. In response, the Maccabees, led by Mattathias and his sons, emerged to reclaim their religious freedoms and restore their identity.

The Maccabees’ revolt involved courageous battles, culminating in their victory over the larger Seleucid army. This success allowed the Jewish people to regain control of Jerusalem and purify the Second Temple. According to tradition, when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only a small amount of consecrated olive oil sufficient for just one day’s lighting of the menorah. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, which is why Chanukah is celebrated for eight nights.

Throughout Chanukah, families typically gather each evening to place the chanukiah in a window or doorway, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. As the candles are lit, blessings are recited, and songs may be sung, creating an atmosphere of joy and reflection.

Traditional foods also play a vital role in Chanukah celebrations. Foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, not only satisfy the palate but also serve as a reminder of the miracle of the oil. Eating these foods symbolizes gratitude for the divine blessings received during this period. Many families also enjoy dairy dishes, often associated with the story of Judith, a heroine of Chanukah, further enriching the culinary traditions of the holiday.

Music is also a key part of Chanukah festivities. Some well-known tunes include “Maoz Tzur” (“Rock of Ages”); “Chanukah, O Chanukah”; “The Dreidel Song”; “Sevivon” (“Dreidel”); and Adam Sandler’s now classic “The Hanukkah Song.” Sephardic and Mizrahi traditions also have a long history of joyful Chanukah music, including “Ocho Kanelikas” (“Eight Little Candles”) — a traditional Ladino song — and “Mi Ze Yemalel” (“Who Can Retell?”), a melody from Morocco.

In addition, gift-giving has become a common practice during Chanukah, reflecting the spirit of generosity and joy. Each night, families may exchange small gifts, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Many also engage in games like spinning the dreidel. Dreidels are four-sided spinning tops, each side bearing a Hebrew letter – נ‎, ג‎, ה‎, ש‎, an acronym for the Hebrew phrase “A great miracle happened there.” Players spin the dreidel hoping to win a pile of Chanukah gelt (chocolate gold coins). Depending on which Hebrew letter each player lands on, they either have to put a piece of Chanukah gelt into the pile, take half the pile, win the entire pile, or receive none at all.

Chanukah traditions are as vibrant and varied as the Jewish world itself. Here are some highlights from around the globe:

• India: Many Jews in India, including members of the Bene Israel community in South India, enjoy khanda Baji, a fried onion fritter (also one of the country’s popular street foods).
• Mexico: Jews in Mexico smash open a dreidel piñata — once the piñata has been properly clobbered, gelt and other tasty treats shower forth.  
• Romania: In addition to making latkes, some Jews in Romania scrape out potatoes and use them as menorahs. 
• North Africa: On the sixth night of Chanukah, girls and women in Morocco and other North African Jewish communities celebrate Chag HaBanot, also known as “Festival of the Daughters.” During this time, they refrain from work and talk about Judith, along with other Jewish heroines from the Chanukah story.
• Israel: Instead of the standard “nun, gimel, hey, and shin,” many dreidels in Israel are marked with the acronym for נס גדול היה פה (“Nes gadol haya poh”) — in English, “A great miracle happened here.”
• Uzbekistan: Many Jews in Uzbekistan eat hushquiliq, Bukharian fried “twig” cookies made with sugar and vodka. They also sing shashmaqam, a type of music that means “six notes” in Persian. To top it all off, they enjoy some lepeshka, a soft, chewy bread pressed with a metal stamp called a chikech.

• 2025: December 14 – December 22
• 2026:   December 4 – December 12
• 2027:   December 24, 2027- January 1, 2028
• 2028:   December 12 – December 20
• 2029:   December 1- December 9