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After All, Why Is Hanukkah The Festival Of Lights Celebrated?

Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on Sunday, December 25, 2024, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This eighth divine celebration honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasts for eight days.

During the celebration, families traditionally light a menorah, placing a lit candle each night, while participating in prayer, singing songs, and sharing festive food. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a beloved Jewish celebration that symbolizes hope, allowance, and togetherness. This article explores the rich heritage and history behind Hanukkah, explaining why it is celebrated and how it has evolved over the years.

What Is Hanukkah Celebration?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the Jews’ most beloved holidays, honoring an important historical and spiritual event that is celebrated for eight days. The story dates back to the 2nd century BC when the Jewish people gained control of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by foreign forces.

When they tried to rededicate the Temple, they found only a small amount of oil to light the menorah – a sacred lamp – but miraculously, the oil continued to burn for eight days. This extraordinary event is at the heart of Hanukkah, symbolizing perseverance, divine intervention, and the enduring power of faith.

Miracle Of Oil

As part of the rededication, they were to light the menorah in the Temple, which was to remain burning continuously. However, they found only a small amount of ritually purified oil – enough to keep the menorah lit for only one day. Miraculously, that small amount of oil continued to burn for eight days, giving them enough time to prepare new oil and consecrate it.

Importance Of 8 Days

To honor this miracle, the Jewish sages established Hanukkah as an eight-day festival of lights. Each night, an additional candle is lit on the menorah (or Hanukkah), after which all eight candles are lit on the final night.

Symbols

• These eight days symbolize faith, resilience, and divine intervention.
• The festival also celebrates the persistence of Jewish identity and religious freedom.