When is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah? What does it mean? Is it a federal holiday?

Beyond its religious significance, Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” helped link American Jews to their Christian neighbors while still allowing them to retain their religious values. It allowed for them to participate in activities associated with the holiday season such as gift giving and gathering with families — turning it into the best-known Jewish holiday in America.

Although Hunukkah is considered a minor Jewish holiday, it became more visible in the U.S. after Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson promoted awareness and observance of the celebration through public lighting of menorahs in the 1970s. Its proximity to Christmas gives it weight, but it is not mentioned in Jewish scripture and does not require abstaining from work as other holidays require.

“Hanukkah is the only post-biblical Jewish holiday. All of the other Jewish holidays are explained or appear somewhere in the biblical canon, from the Bible all the way down into the later writings,” Rabbi Moshe Sokol, dean and professor of Jewish philosophy at the Lander College for Men, told verifythis.com, a fact checking website.

What is Hunukkah?

Hanukkah, which means dedication in Hebrew, marks the Jewish victory over the Syrian dynastic ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes who invaded Judea in 164 BCE, desecrating the second temple in Jerusalem. The Jews fought the invading forces for three years led by Mattathias and his son Judas Maccabeus. The Maccabees were the first Jews who fought to defend their religious beliefs rather than their lives.

After the battle, Judas ordered the purification of the temple which meant the lighting of an oil lamp. Unfortunately the invading forces had trampled over every part of the temple including spilling much of the consecrated oil. All that was left was a small jar, enough to light the lamp for a day. Miraculously the oil lasted for eight days straight before more oil could be found. Thus the tradition of lighting eight candles found its origin.

When is Hunukkah?

The Jewish holiday of Hunukkah is commemorated every year for eight days in November and December. The exact dates change because it is based on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar.

In 2023, the holiday begins after sunset on Friday, Dec. 7 and ends Dec. 15.

Is Hunukkah a federal holiday in the U.S.?

Hanukkah is not recognized as a federal holiday in the U.S. but some businesses and Jewish-run organizations might be closed during the holiday.