HANUKKAH
חנוכה« A small light can push back a lot of darkness. »
Next occurrence5 December 2026 – 12 December 2026 · In 38 days
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Calendar: choose your city to determine the Israel or Diaspora context.
The essentials
In brief
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days.
The holiday recalls the victory of a small number who remained faithful to the Torah, then the purification and rededication of the Temple.
Each evening, one more light is lit: darkness is not erased all at once, light is added day after day.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HANUKKAH ↓
WHAT HANUKKAH RECALLS
The holiday commemorates resistance to a decree targeting study and practice, then the rededication of the Temple.
Tradition also recalls the miracle of the flask of oil, which burned for eight days instead of one.
THE LIGHTING
The lighting takes place every evening, with the customary blessings, adding one light per day.
The light is meant to be seen: it is placed visibly, according to community custom.
The exact time, the order of the lights, and the case of Friday evening follow your custom: ask your Rabbi.
PRAYERS AND ADDITIONS
The complete Hallel is recited every morning, and the passage Al Hanissim is added to the Amidah and to the Birkat Hamazon.
AT HOME
These days are marked by family joy, songs after the lighting, and attention to those who lack the essentials.
Editorial references: Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 21b · Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 670-685
Festival dates
From the evening of Friday 4 December 2026 until Saturday 12 December 2026
כ״ה כִּסְלֵו תשפ״ז
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Key points
- Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days.
- One more light is lit each evening, from the first to the eighth.
- The lighting takes place at the time set by custom, at home.
- The complete Hallel is recited every morning of the holiday.
- Tzedaka and family joy accompany these days.
PRACTICAL INFO — THIS OCCURRENCE
Jerusalem
Times for this occurrence, calculated for Jerusalem (Israel) in its own time zone.
Times are unavailable for this date and city.
For any personal situation or halachic question, seek guidance from your Rabbi.
What this feast teaches us
« Behind some doors, a family is sometimes going through a dark time. A gesture can become their light. »
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