Chanukah Ends 2024 – December 18, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Observe
Fact
Importance
Dates

Chanukah Ends is an important Jewish holiday that takes place on December 18 every year. The event begins at nightfall on December 18 and ends at nightfall on December 26. The eight-day Jewish festival commemorates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees, the Jewish freedom fighters who triumphed over the Seleucidian Greek occupiers. The freedom fighters recaptured Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship. They searched for pure oil to light the Temple menorah. The oil they found was just enough to burn for one day. Unexpectedly, the oil lasted eight days until they could bring more oil to the temple.

History of Chanukah Ends

Every year on December 18, Chanukah Ends is celebrated in remembrance of the miracle oil, which miraculously lit the Jewish temple for eight days despite only being intended to last for one. Chanukah is an opportunity to celebrate the successful rebellion of the Jews against the Syrians in the Maccabean War. After the Jews won the battle, they performed a ritual of cleansing and restoration of the temple. Chanukah is also known as Hanukkah, Feast of Lights, or Festival of Lights. The holiday honors Judaism’s survival after all these years. According to the Jewish calendar, Chanukah starts on the 25th day of Kislev and finishes on the first day of Tevet. The eighth day of Chanukah, also known as Zose Hanukkah, Zos Hanukkah, or Zot Hanukkah, is the final day. Many Jewish rituals start the day before sunset.Chanukah is considered one of the happiest Jewish events for many Jewish Americans. On this day, most Jewish families light candles on a candle holder called the Hanukiah. They eat sizzling potato pancakes, give gifts, and play with a spinning toy called a ‘dreidel’ which is most popular during Chanukah. People enjoy several daytime or evening events during Chanukah in the U.S. Most of what people consume is food fried in oil. They also go to music events where people sing and spin the dreidel. Along with concerts and plays, there are also sporting events.

Chanukah Ends timeline

200 A.D.

Festival of Lights Becomes Chanukah

People refer to the "Festival of Lights" as Chanukah.

538—515

Jews Return

Many Jews return from Babylonia.

1939

The Holocaust Begins

The Holocaust takes place during World War II in Europe.

1945

The Holocaust Ends

The Holocaust finally ends, and the survivors are free.

Chanukah Ends FAQs

Is Chanukah the Jewish Christmas?

Chanukah is not the most important holiday in Jewish tradition. High Holy Days such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most important.

What is eaten during Chanukah?

During Chanukah, people traditionally eat sufganiyot (fried jelly donuts), latkes (fried potato pancakes), and other fried foods.

Where is the world's largest menorah located?

The world’s largest menorah stands at 32 feet and is lit at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in Manhattan near Central Park.

How to Observe Chanukah Ends

Attend temple

You can take part in the holiday by visiting a Jewish temple. It is a beneficial spiritual experience.
Learn to play the dreidel

Learn to play the dreidel, which is a popular game played during Chanukah. A dreidel is a spinning top with four sides, each inscribed with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Light the menorah

Many Jewish families light candles as a way to honor the miracle that took place in the temple many years ago. Avoid burning the candle during the day.

5 Facts About Chanukah

Chanukah has a meaning

The word ‘Chanukah’ means ‘dedication’ in English.
Kids get gifts

Giving gifts to young children on each of the eight Chanukah nights has become a popular custom.
Lighting nine candles

During Chanukah, a Hanukkiah that holds nine candles is lit.
Candles are lit in an order

The Chanukah candles are lit from right to left.
Candles are added

Each night one candle is added until all eight candles are lit.

Why Chanukah Ends is Important

It maintains tradition

The holiday keeps Jewish traditions alive. It helps to pass on the culture to the younger generation.
It celebrates miracles

Chanukah is a celebration of miracles. This gives people hope and faith.
It honors heroes

Chanukah is an opportunity to honor the Jewish struggle and victory against the Seleucids. It commemorates the brave freedom fighters who relit the temple.