Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is the Jewish Festival of Light. It begins the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 27, this year (very early). On the Hebrew lunar calendar Hanukkah is always the 25th of Kislev. This eight-day feast lands some time late November to early December on the Gregorian calendar.
Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. The two holidays share nothing except calendar proximity. Hanukkah celebrates the Miracle of the Maccabees, when the temple lights did not burn out for eight days. The festival involves lighting the menorah, feasting, dreidel games and other activities.
I am not Jewish, but I have always followed the festivals. I'm interested to learn about all religious and cultural celebrations around the world. I'm exploring Hebrew holy days more closely this year as our oldest son is dating a Jewish girl. I found some neat websites with printable activities to help Jewish kids express their faith and non-Jews learn more about them. Free Printable Hanukkah Crafts, Kids Activities
