Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day) - December 26th, 2024
Get Ready to Celebrate the Miracle of Light: Chanukah/Hanukkah is Here! Mark your calendars for December 26th, 2024, because it's time to ignite the festive spirit of Chanukah/Hanukkah! For eight magical nights, Jewish people around the world will come together to celebrate the miracle of light, food, family, and friendship. So, let's dive into the fascinating history, vibrant traditions, and joyous ways people observe this beloved holiday. A Brief History of Chanukah/Hanukkah In the 2nd century BCE, the Seleucid Empire, led by Antiochus IV, invaded Judea (modern-day Israel) and desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem, replacing the Jewish altar with a pagan one. A small group of brave Jewish rebels, the Maccabees, led by Mattathias and his sons, fought against the oppressive regime and reclaimed the Temple. When the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found a single jar of oil that had been left untouched by the invaders. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allo...