Celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah this December

The eight day Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah begins on 25 December 2024 and ends on 2 January 2025. During this time, the Jewish community take time to reflect and participate in traditional foods, games and gifting.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) means ‘dedication’ in Hebrew and is an eight day long celebration, usually falling between late November and December. It’s a holiday celebrated by the Jewish community and it sometimes referred to as the Jewish festival of light.

Family and friends gather each evening to honour the miracle of Hanukkah and participate in the traditional lighting of candles for the eight nights.

While the exact dates will vary, it is always lands on 25 Kislev from the Hebrew calendar. Even though it is thought of as a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar (as it’s not mentioned in the Torah and has little to no restrictions) many feel it is still important to celebrate.

The history of Hanukkah

Its origins date back to around 165 BCE to the religious freedom Jewish people experienced from their Greek-Syrian oppressors during the Maccabean Revolt. During this time Judea (the land of Isreal) came under the control of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the less benevolent son of Antiochus III.

After regaining the Second Temple and other sacred places, they sought to enact a burning ritual with oil for eight days, however they only had enough for one night. The miracle often associated with Hanukkah is that this oil lasted the full eight days, creating the tradition of burning candles during Chanukah.

How to celebrate Hanukkah

The burning of candles is the most recognisable way to commemorate Hanukkah, and a special candelabra will be in the homes of many Jewish people during this time. These candles are placed in a nine-branched candelabra called the Hanukkah Menorah.

Lit during the eight days there are nine candles used in total, with the ninth candle (called the Shamash) often taller than the rest and used to light the remaining eight candles. This is done to commemorate both the burning of oil and to bring light to the shortest days in the year.

This time for many Jewish people is a holiday for food and family, which is why some serve traditional treats during their celebrations of Hanukkah.

Potato latkes are a traditional savoury treat commonly paired with sour cream and apple sauce for dipping.

Many often enjoy little donuts called sufganiyots stuffed with jam, chocolate or honey fillings during Hanukkah.

How to wish someone a happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a beloved holiday among those of Jewish faith, so if you would like to wish someone a happy Hanukkah you can say ‘Hanukkah Sameach!’, which means happy holidays in Hebrew. 

We would like to wish a very happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish students, colleagues, alumni and friends celebrating.