First Night of Hanukkah: A Celebration of The Miracle

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the Jewish people’s most beloved holidays. The eight-day Hanukkah celebration begins on Kislev the 25th in the Jewish calendar and is observed by lighting the menorah, eating special fried foods and spinning the dreidel. The holiday is traditionally celebrated at the onset of winter, extending from the 25th of Kislev through the 3rd of Tevet. The ancient celebration is a reminder of a long-ago victory and a miraculous event that took place in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

History of Hanukkah

The miracle of Hanukkah began in the land of Israel during the time of the Second Temple when the roman Empire was the controlling force in the area. The Jewish people, striving for religious freedom, revolted against the Romans and regained control of the Temple. After rededicating the Temple and finding only enough consecrated oil to light the seven-branched menorah for one day, a miracle occurred: the oil lasted for eight days. Today, Jewish people around the world celebrate this miraculous event by lighting the menorah and extending the eight-day Hanukkah celebration to remember the miracle of the oil.

The First Night and the Eight Lights of Hanukkah

The first night of Hanukkah marks a special moment in the celebration. The menorah is lit and a special blessing is said. On the first night, one candle is lit on the menorah. This is one of the eight candles which represent the miraculous days that the one-day supply of oil, found on the rededication of the temple, lasted. The first night of Hanukkah symbolically reminds us of the darkness of an oppressive rule and the start of a miraculous journey towards religious freedom.

The night of the first Hanukkah is a night of joy and reflection. Jews gather around the menorah lighting candles and praying. The act of lighting the menorah serves to remind us of the struggle for religious freedom and gratitude for God and all of the miracles in our lives.

The joy of the Hanukkah celebration doesn’t stop with the start of the first night. For the next eight nights, the celebration continues, with each night bringing deeper reflection about the miracle. As you join in this time-honored tradition, may you experience the joy and blessings of the eight nights and a memorable Hanukkah that is celebrated with the special joy and light of the Festival of Lights.