Hanukkah 2025

Halachic Framework

Hanukkah is a rabbinic holiday instituted by the Sages. Unlike biblical festivals, ordinary work (melachah) is permitted, though it is customary not to engage in mundane labor:

• Prayer additions: Al HaNissim ("For the Miracles") is added to the Amidah and Grace After Meals; Hallel is recited during the morning service.
• No fasting or eulogies: Fasting and eulogies are prohibited, underlining the holiday's joyful character.
• Tachanun: The penitential prayer is omitted throughout the holiday.

Customs & Observances

• Lighting the menorah — adding one candle each night
• Chanukah blessings — "Lehadlik ner shel Chanukah", "She'asah nisim la'avoteinu", and "Shehecheyanu" on the first night (Shulchan Aruch OC 676); "Hanerot Halalu" is recited after lighting, and "Maoz Tzur" is sung
• Lighting the shamash (helper candle)
• Eating foods fried in oil: latkes, sufganiyot
• Playing dreidel (sevivon)
• Reciting Hallel and Al HaNisim

Greetings & Blessings for Hanukkah

Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Hanukkah:

• Happy Hanukkah — the standard English greeting
• Chag Urim Sameach — "A joyous Festival of Lights"
• Chag Chanukah Sameach — "A joyous Hanukkah holiday"

בעברית:

• חנוכה שמח
• חג אורים שמח
• חג חנוכה שמח

About Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for eight days beginning on the 25th of Kislev. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

Also known as: Chanukah, Festival of Lights

Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.