Hanukkah Celebrations Shine Bright on Christmas Day: A Unique Festival of Lights Experience

Exciting News from Washington: Hanukkah is Here!

Hey there, friends! Are you ready to light the menorah and celebrate the beautiful Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also affectionately known as the Festival of Lights? This year, the first night of Hanukkah kicks off on Wednesday, December 25—yes, you read that right, it’s Christmas Day! Isn’t that interesting?

A Rare Occasion

Believe it or not, this is only the fifth time since 1910 that Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day. The last time it happened was back in 2005, with previous occasions in 1910, 1921, and 1959. If you’re wondering when this will happen again, mark your calendars for 2035! But that’s not all—since 1902, Hanukkah has also aligned with Christmas Eve four times, including in 1940, 1978, and 2016. So this year is quite special!

What’s Hanukkah All About?

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the courageous Maccabees triumphed over the Greek-Syrian army. A significant part of the story is about a miraculous supply of oil. The Jews had just enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one night, but, surprise—it lasted for an incredible eight nights! That’s where the tradition of lighting candles for eight continuous nights comes from.

Lighting the Menorah

Let’s dive into lighting the menorah! Over the course of the festival, you’ll light one candle for each night plus an additional one called the shamash, or the “helper” candle. The shamash is lit first and is used to light the others. So on the first night, you’ll light the shamash plus one other candle, placed on the far right. Each subsequent night, you’ll add a new candle to the left of the previous one. Remember—when lighting, always start from the leftmost candle!

By the end of the festival, you will have used a total of 44 candles! How amazing is that?

Delicious Traditions

And let’s not forget about the yummy food that accompanies the festivities! Hanukkah is synonymous with some scrumptious traditional foods, particularly latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). These treats are especially fried in oil, paying homage to the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights. So if you’re in the mood for some delicious snacks, now is the perfect time to treat yourself!

Mark Your Calendars!

As you prepare for this joyous holiday, remember that Hanukkah lasts for eight days and is a time for family, friends, and reflection. Whether you’re lighting the menorah, indulging in latkes, or simply spending time with loved ones, this year’s Hanukkah celebration promises to be a memorable one.

So, light those candles, enjoy that delicious food, and soak in the vibrant community spirit. Happy Hanukkah, everyone! Here’s to a season of light, warmth, and togetherness. May your celebrations be filled with joy and blessings!