In 2011, Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 20th and lasts until December 28th.http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/671899/jewish/When-is-Hanukkah-Chanukah-in-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-and-2015.htm Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that takes place for eight nights.http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=hanukkah It takes place on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d44YFaJVRUE
While Hanukkah frequently begins in December, it may also start in the end of November in certain years. The celebration commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem, which originally took place in 165BC. Families gather and recite blessings while lighting the menorah, and gifts are given each night of the holiday. Hanukkah may also be referred to as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Lights or the Feast of Dedication.http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=hanukkah
History of Hanukkah
The holy temple of the Jews was seized and dedicated to the Greek god Zeus, and while many of the people were afraid of the Greeks, there was a small band who wanted to fight and reclaim their temple. The Maccabees went into the temple and discovered that many of the relics there had been damaged or stolen.
When they went to light the menorah they discovered that there was only enough oil to light it for one night. Miraculously, the oil allegedly lasted for eight nights, which allowed time for them to procure more oil for the menorah.History.com: The History of Hanukkah
When is Hanukkah?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky talks about when Hanukkah occurs every year. The celebration always begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, though the date fluctuates on the "secular" calendar. He also talks about where to go online in order to find out the dates that Hanukkah takes place on each year.
Hanukkah Dates
- 2011 Dates: Dec. 20 to Dec. 28
- 2012 Dates: Dec. 8 to Dec. 16
- 2013 Dates: Nov. 27 to Dec. 5
- 2014 Dates: Dec. 16 to Dec. 24
- 2015 Dates: Dec. 6 to Dec. 14http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/671899/jewish/When-is-Hanukkah-Chanukah-in-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-and-2015.htm
How to Celebrate Hanukkah
Rabbi Eli Levitansky offers information on how to celebrate Hanukkah through this Mahalo.com holiday tutorial. One way the holiday is through the lighting of the menorah each night. Hanukkah is also celebrated with traditional foods and games.
How to Spell Hanukkah
Learn how to spell Hanukkah the traditional way with Rabbi Eli Levitansky of Mahalo.com. The rabbi teaches the traditional spelling of "Chanukah" and offers proper pronunciation tips. For more Hanukkah (Chanukah) tutorials visit the MahaloDotCom YouTube account.
First Night of Hanukkah
Learn about the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Light Hanukkah Candles
Learn how to light Hanukkah candles with Rabbi Eli Levitansky. The menorah is lit with a lighting candle called the shamus. The first night only has one candle with each new night adding a candle. The first night has three blessings and other nights have two. This video is part of a series published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
Hanukkah Latkes and Sufganiyot
Rabbi Eli Levitansky talks about traditional Hanukkah foods in this video. Featured are latkes and sufganiyot. Full descriptions are provided about the food as well as why they became traditional at Hanukkah time. This Mahalo.com produced video is part of a series about Hanukkah published on the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
How to Play the Dreidel on Hanukkah
Rabbi Evi Levitansky discusses how to play the dreidel on Hanukkah. The dreidel is a four sided spinning top played with during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. This video is part of a wider series available on the Mahalo.com channel of videos available on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah Gelt?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky returns with another Mahalo.com produced video, this one teaches what is Hanukkah gelt? The video focuses on money, which is given to children at Hanukkah. Watch the video to learn more, this video is part of a wider series of videos produced on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
What Time Does Hanukkah begin?
If you have ever wondered when Hanukkah begins, then watch this video which will provide the answer. Hosted by Rabbi Eli Levitansky and produced by Mahalo.com this video is part of the Mahalo.com channel on YouTube.
What is Hanukkah?
Rabbi Eli Levitansky discusses what is hanukkah, (the celebration of lights) in this Mahalo.com produced video. The traditions and history of Hanukkah are discussed as well as what it represents today. This video is published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube and is part of a wider series focusing on Hanukkah.
References
Fast Facts
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2011 Date
Sunset, December 20 to Sunset, December 28
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Begins
25 Kislev
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Ends
2 Tevet or 3 TevetAkhlah: Hanukkah
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Fact:
In memory of the Maccabees' rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes
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Fact:
Traditional Hanukkah colors are blue, silver and white
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Fact:
Foods fried in oil, like latkes and jelly doughnuts served during Hanukkah
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Fact:
Also known as The Festival of Lights and The Feast of Dedication
