This Sunday evening marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. This year, the celebrations will start at sundown on 14 December 2025 and conclude on 22 December.
The History and Meaning of Hanukkah
The Hebrew word Hanukkah means 'dedication', commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,100 years ago. This followed a successful revolt by Jewish fighters against occupying foreign forces. According to tradition, a single day's supply of ritually pure oil found in the liberated temple miraculously burned for eight full days.
This enduring miracle is central to the modern celebration. The festival always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. Because the Jewish calendar is lunar-based, its dates on the Gregorian calendar shift, meaning Hanukkah can occur anywhere from late November to late December.
How Hanukkah is Celebrated Today
The heart of the observance is the nightly lighting of the menorah, a special candelabra with nine branches. One candle is lit on the first night, with an additional candle added each subsequent night, using a ninth 'shamash' or helper candle. The candles are placed from right to left but lit from left to right.
The menorah is traditionally placed in a doorway or windowsill so its light can be seen from outside, symbolising the public proclamation of the miracle and the spreading of light. In recent decades, the public lighting of large menorahs in city squares, parks, and in front of landmarks has become a common sight globally, including across many UK towns and cities.
Beyond the candle-lighting, other key traditions include:
- Eating foods fried in oil, like potato latkes and doughnuts (sufganiyot), to recall the miracle of the oil.
- Playing games with a four-sided spinning top called a dreidel.
- Giving gifts, especially to children, and engaging in charitable acts (tzedakah).
A Festival of Growing Prominence
While historically a minor religious holiday, Hanukkah has gained significant cultural prominence, particularly in the West. Its proximity to Christmas has seen it become a well-known period of celebration, focusing on themes of resilience, hope, and bringing light into darkness.
The core message remains powerful: a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transformative effect. For many Jewish families, the festival is a time for gathering, reflection, and recommitting to the work of improving the world for all.
