This year Hanukkah will begin on Christmas Day, marking only the fourth time this has happened since 1900. The Jewish holiday celebrates the Maccabean Revolt against the Syrian-Greek army in the 2nd century BC.
The first day of Hanukkah , or Chanukah, each year takes place on the 25th of the month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar. While the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah often falls at varying points during November and December, this year's festival of lights begins a bit later - and it comes with a calendar rarity.
In 2024, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Christmas, marking just the fourth time since 1900 that the holidays have overlapped. The first day of Hanukkah, or Chanukah, each year takes place on the 25th of the month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar. 'For this reason, the beginning of Hanukkah can range from late November to late December,' the Old Farmer's Almanac said. For 2024, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 25, and lasts for eight nights. The holiday ends at sundown on Jan. 2, 2026. The last time the first night of Hanukkah fell on Christmas Day was in 2005. In 1959, 1921 and 1910, it also fell on Dec. 25, Vox said. What is the story of Hanukkah and why does it last for eight days? Hanukkah celebrates the the Maccabean Revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. In the second century B.C., the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian King Antiochus IV Epiphanes who told the Jewish people they must renounce their religion and accept Greek beliefs or be sentenced to death, according to A small group of poorly armed Jewish rebels, led by Judah Maccabee, fought back and successfully drove the Syrian-Greeks from the land, reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When the victorious rebels sought to light the Temple’s menorah, the seven-branched candelabrum, there was only enough oil to keep the candles burning for a single da
Hanukkah Christmas Jewish Holiday Maccabean Revolt Hebrew Calendar
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