Chanuka — The Festival of Lights 🕎
Chanuka (חנוכה) is the eight-day Festival of Lights, celebrated from the 25th of Kislev. It commemorates the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid-Greek empire and the miraculous rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem — when one day's supply of oil burned for eight days.
Upcoming Chanuka
Following Year (5788): כ״ה כסלו – ב׳ טבת 5788 • December 25, 2027 – January 1, 2028
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Chanuka.com — a JewishWeb Network site — is your ultimate Chanuka destination. Menorah lighting guides, recipes for latkes and sufganiyot, Chanuka gift ideas, dreidel rules, songs, and everything you need for a memorable Festival of Lights.
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The Story of Chanuka
In the 2nd century BCE, the Seleucid-Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. A small band of Jewish fighters — the Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee and his father Mattathias — rose up against the mighty Greek army and, against all odds, won.
When the Maccabees reclaimed and rededicated the Temple, they found only one small cruse of pure olive oil — enough to light the menorah for a single day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights. The word "Chanuka" means "dedication," referring to the rededication of the Temple.
Key Observances & Customs
Menorah Lighting
Each night of Chanuka, an additional candle is lit on the chanukiah (Chanuka menorah), using the shamash (helper candle). Candles are placed right-to-left but lit left-to-right. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle.
Dreidel
The dreidel (sevivon in Hebrew) is a spinning top with four Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin — standing for 'Nes Gadol Hayah Sham' ('A great miracle happened there'). In Israel, the Shin is replaced with Pei ('here').
Latkes & Sufganiyot
Foods fried in oil are traditional to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Latkes (potato pancakes) are an Ashkenazi favorite, while sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are beloved in Israel and worldwide.
Chanuka Gelt & Gifts
It is customary to give children Chanuka gelt (money) or chocolate coins. Many families also exchange gifts over the eight nights of the holiday.
Al HaNissim Prayer
The Al HaNissim ('For the Miracles') prayer is added to the Amidah and Birkat HaMazon throughout Chanuka, recounting the Maccabees' victory.
Chanuka in the Home
Chanuka is one of the most family-oriented Jewish holidays. Each night, families gather to light the menorah together, sing Maoz Tzur ("Rock of Ages") and other Chanuka songs, play dreidel, and enjoy festive meals. Unlike Shabbat and the biblical holidays, work is permitted on Chanuka.