What was the first date of Hanukkah?
Olivia Shea
Updated on February 26, 2026
Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day) Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Mon | Dec 3 |
| 2019 | Mon | Dec 23 |
| 2020 | Fri | Dec 11 |
| 2021 | Mon | Nov 29 |
When did Judaism start date?
Jewish history began about 4,000 years ago (c. 17th century BCE) with the patriarchs – Abraham, his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob.
How and why did Hanukkah begin?
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
What are the dates of Hanukkah based on?
Hanukkah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 on the Hebrew calendar, which generally coincides with late November and early December. In 2021, Hanukkah runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6. Last year, it ran from Dec. 10 to Dec. 18.
What does the word Hanukkah mean in Hebrew?
dedication
What is Hanukkah? The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and this holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the 9th month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year.
Where is Chanukah in the Talmud?
Although the traditional practice of lighting candles at Hanukkah was not established in the books of the Maccabees, the custom most likely started relatively early. The practice is enshrined in the Talmud (Shabbat 21b), which describes the miracle of the oil in the Temple.
Did Jesus observe the Sabbath?
Both Jewish and Christian seventh-day interpretation usually state that Jesus’ teachings relate to the Pharisaic position on Sabbath observance, and that Jesus kept seventh-day Sabbath throughout his life on earth.
What is the true history of Hanukkah?
History of Hanukkah Hanukkah or Chanukah is an eight-day festival celebrated by the Jewish people around the world. The history of Hanukkah dates back to 165 BCE. The land of Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a Syrian King.
Why is Hanukkah celebrated on the 25th of Kislev?
Since they were unable to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot at its proper time in early autumn, the victorious Maccabees decided that Sukkot should be celebrated once they rededicated the Temple, which they did on the 25th of the month of Kislev in the year 164 B.C.E. Since Sukkot lasts seven days, this became the timeframe adopted for Hanukkah.
Who received the Hanukkah menorah in the Oval Office?
President Harry S. Truman (left, back turned to camera) in the Oval Office, receiving a Hanukkah Menorah as a gift from the Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion (center). To the right is Abba Eban, the Ambassador of Israel to the United States.
What is the discussion of Hanukkah in Tractate Shabbat?
The discussion of Hanukkah is mentioned in Tractate Shabbat. Only three lines are devoted to the events of Hanukkah while three pages detail when, where and how the Hanukkah lights should be lit.
