Fourth Day of Hanukkah

What Is Fourth Day of Hanukkah?

The Fourth Day of Hanukkah is an integral part of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights. This day is marked by the lighting of four candles on the menorah, in addition to the shamash, or helper candle. It represents the midpoint of the festival, highlighting the increasing illumination and commemoration of the historical events.

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. The lighting of candles each evening serves as a central practice, symbolising the miracle of a small amount of oil that purportedly lasted for eight days. The Fourth Day continues this tradition, building upon the previous nights’ observances.

History and Origins of Fourth Day of Hanukkah

The history of the Fourth Day of Hanukkah is intrinsically linked to the broader history and origins of the Hanukkah festival itself. Hanukkah traces its roots back to the 2nd century BCE during the period of Hellenistic rule over Judea. The Seleucid Greek empire, led by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, sought to suppress Jewish religious practices and Hellenise the Jewish population.

In 167 BCE, a revolt erupted, led by Mattathias and his five sons, collectively known as the Maccabees. After three years of conflict, the Maccabees successfully reclaimed Jerusalem and the Second Temple from Seleucid control. Upon entering the Temple, they found it desecrated and set about purifying and rededicating it. According to the Talmud, when they went to light the Temple’s menorah, they found only one small cruse of ritually pure olive oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, allowing time to prepare more pure oil. This event established the duration of the Hanukkah festival as eight days. The Fourth Day, therefore, signifies the fourth instance of commemorating this enduring miracle and the triumph of religious freedom.

How Fourth Day of Hanukkah Is Celebrated

The observance of the Fourth Day of Hanukkah largely mirrors the general traditions upheld throughout the eight-day festival, with the specific distinction of lighting four candles. Each evening, as dusk falls, families gather to light the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. On the fourth evening, the shamash is lit first, and then used to ignite four additional candles, progressing from right to left, typically reciting blessings before and after the lighting. This act serves as a visual representation of the increasing light and joy of the festival.

Celebrations in Israel

In Israel, Hanukkah is widely observed, with public menorah lightings occurring in city squares and community centres. On the Fourth Day, these public displays continue, often accompanied by communal singing of Hanukkah songs. Sufganiyot, jam-filled doughnuts fried in oil, are particularly popular and widely consumed. Children often receive Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) and play dreidel, a spinning top game. The emphasis is on family gatherings, communal celebration, and the theme of national liberation and religious freedom.

Celebrations in the United States and the Diaspora

Jewish communities in the United States and other parts of the diaspora observe the Fourth Day with similar family-centric traditions. The lighting of the menorah remains the focal point, often accompanied by the singing of traditional songs such as “Maoz Tzur”. Gift-giving has become a prominent feature in many diaspora communities, particularly for children, sometimes paralleling the gift-giving traditions of other major winter holidays. Fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot are commonly prepared and consumed. Educational activities about the history of Hanukkah and the values of perseverance and faith are also integrated into family and community celebrations. The Fourth Day serves as another opportunity for families to reinforce these traditions and spend time together.

When Is Fourth Day of Hanukkah?

The Fourth Day of Hanukkah falls on the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. The Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning its dates are determined by both the cycles of the moon and the sun. This differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar.

As a result of this difference, the Gregorian date for the Fourth Day of Hanukkah changes annually. It can occur anywhere from late November to late December. The Jewish day begins at sunset, so the “Fourth Day” refers to the fourth evening of the festival, with the four candles being lit after sundown on the 28th of Kislev. The subsequent daylight hours of the 28th of Kislev constitute the actual “fourth day.” The date is fixed within the Hebrew calendar but variable in the Gregorian calendar.

Fourth Day of Hanukkah Key Facts