December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025 | 25 Kislev – 3 Tevet 5784

Chanukah (חֲנֻכָּה), meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian-Greek forces and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday is marked by the custom of kindling lights for eight nights, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted far longer than expected. Today, the lighting of a nine-branched menorah (chanukiyah) is central to the celebration. Traditions also include enjoying foods fried in oil, like crispy latkes (potato pancakes) and sweet sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), as well as the exchange of gifts.