What is Hanukkah?
The word 'Hanukkah' (or Chanukah) means 'Dedication' in Hebrew.
This eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
Hanukkah is celebrated in November or December every year. In 2024 Hanukkah begins on the evening of Wednesday 25 December.
How to celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting one candle on a nine-stemmed candelabrum called a hanukkiah each day. The hanukkiah symbolises how God looked after the Jewish people during a difficult time. Lots of Jews call this candelabrum a menorah.
Hanukkah is a very special time for Jews so people often give each other gifts and Hanukkah money called Gelt. Some families give a small present to children on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
To all of our community who are celebrating, we wish you a Happy Hanukkah!
