Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 19:58
This year Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday 18th December and lasts until sundown on Monday 26th December.
Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is the Festival of Lights.
It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp.
The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days.
Hanukkah is celebrated at home by lighting the menorah (each night one additional candle is lit to the number from the previous night), playing dreidel, and eating special foods unique to Hanukkah. Some people also sing Hanukkah songs or exchange gifts after lighting the menorah, which is also called a hanukkiah. Many people host and attend Hanukkah parties.
We would like to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all those in EEAST who celebrate and hope you enjoy the occasion with your families and loved ones.
Published 19th December 2022