First Day of Hanukkah in the United Kingdom

The First Day of Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, is a significant Jewish festival celebrated worldwide, including in the United Kingdom. This eight-day holiday generally falls in December but can occur from late November to late December due to its determination by the Hebrew calendar.

History and Traditions

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. after the Maccabees' victory over Syrian-Greek oppressors. The central miracle associated with Hanukkah is that a single day's supply of consecrated oil miraculously burned for eight days in the temple's menorah.

Traditionally, Jews light a special menorah (candelabrum) called a 'hanukkiah' each night. One candle is lit on the first night, and an additional candle is lit on each subsequent night until all eight candles are illuminated on the final night.

Observances in the UK

In the UK, Jewish communities celebrate Hanukkah both publicly and privately:

• Menorah Lightings: Public menorah lighting ceremonies often take place in major cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
• Home Observance: Families gather to light their own hanukkiahs, say blessings, and sing traditional songs.
• Foods: Foods fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are commonly consumed to symbolize the miracle of oil.
• Games: The dreidel game is played, especially by children. A dreidel is a spinning top with four sides, each marked with a different Hebrew letter.
• Charity and Gifts: It is also customary to give money to charity during Hanukkah and exchange gifts among family members.

Though not one of Judaism's most sacred holidays, Hanukkah holds cultural significance and provides an opportunity for Jewish families to come together in celebration of their heritage and religious freedom. In multicultural Britain, Hanukkah also allows for increased understanding between communities as they share in one another's festivities.