DALLAS — The holiday season is upon us and that includes the eight-day Jewish holiday Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights.
The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication" in Hebrew, and the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. .
Celebrations during this holiday include the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
Here's what to know about Hanukkah in 2024.
When does Hanukkah start and end this year?
This year, Hanukkah starts at sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Hanukkah lasts for eight days, meaning the holiday will come to an end on Thursday, Jan. 2.
How many candles are used for Hanukkah?
During each night of Hanukkah, you light one candle for each night plus an additional one called the shamash, the "helper" candle, which is lit first each night and used to light all the others.
So, on the first night of Hanukkah, the shamash is lit, along with one other candle.
Over the eight nights of Hanukkah, 44 candles will be used.
How do you set up Hanukkah candles?
After the shamash, the first candle goes to the spot on the far right of the menorah. On the second night, a second candle is also added to the immediate left of the previous night's candle, and so on for all eight nights. However, you light the newest candle (whichever is furthest left on the menorah) first and continue from left to right.
So while candles are placed right to left, you light them from left to right.
Which foods and traditions are popular for Hanukkah?
Traditional foods for Hanukkah are fried in oil and include fried potato pancakes, called latkes, and jelly donuts, called sufganiyot.
Latkes and sufganiyot are typically fried and are meant to commemorate the Hanukkah miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights.
People usually play with a four-sided spinning top called a dreidel and exchange gifts.
Are Hanukkah and Channukah the same thing?
Yes! The word Hanukkah (or Channukah) is a transliteration from Hebrew. Transliteration is the conversion of a word written in one alphabet to another.
Since the Hebrew word for Hanukkah does not easily transliterate to English due to it being written using the Hebrew alphabet, the "correct" spelling is up for interpretation.
Hanukkah and Channukah are the most commonly used spellings, but there are at least 24 ways to spell the holiday, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Hanukkah events in North Texas
Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park: Dallas goes big with its celebration of the Festival of Lights at Klyde Warren Park, and this year is no exception. Jewish reggae superstar Matisyahu, best known for his song One Day, will perform at the event, which takes place Dec. 26 at 5 p.m.
Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party: Matisyahu will make another appearance on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. for the Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party at Granada Theater. The event will be a big party with drinks, music and more to celebrate Hanukkah.
Hannukkah Menorah Lighting at Galleria Dallas: Each year, Galleria Dallas honors Hanukkah by lighting the menorah. Join Temple Shalom Rabbi Andrew Paley on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. for the ceremony where jelly donuts will be served, while supplies last.
Unite Through Light 2024: Celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Southlake Town Square! The event features a giant Star of David menorah, a fire truck gelt drop, live music and traditional treats like latkes and jelly donuts.
