Second Day of Hanukkah

What Is Second Day of Hanukkah?

The Second Day of Hanukkah is the second day of an eight-day Jewish festival known as Hanukkah, or Chanukah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew. This period commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Each day of the festival, including the second, centres around the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, symbolising the miracle of the oil.

The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, purity over adulteration, and spirituality over materialism. It is a time for families and communities to gather, reflect, and engage in specific traditions. While not a public holiday in most countries, it is a deeply significant observance within Jewish culture globally.

History and Origins of Second Day of Hanukkah

The origins of Hanukkah date back to the 2nd century BCE. The historical narrative recounts how the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish fighters, successfully rebelled against the oppressive Seleucid Greek regime, which had desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem and forbidden Jewish religious practices. Following their victory, the Maccabees rededicated the Temple.

During the rededication, they sought to light the Temple’s menorah, which required ritually pure olive oil. They found only a single cruse of oil, enough to last for one day. Miraculously, this small supply burned for eight days, allowing sufficient time to prepare fresh pure oil. The eight days of Hanukkah, including the Second Day, commemorate this “miracle of the oil” and the perseverance of the Jewish people. Each subsequent day builds upon the previous, symbolising the continuous nature of the miracle and the growing light.

How Second Day of Hanukkah Is Celebrated

The celebration of the Second Day of Hanukkah is largely consistent with the overall festival, primarily focused on the lighting of the menorah and engaging in family traditions. The core observance is the lighting of two candles in the menorah, in addition to the shamash (helper candle), which is used to light the others. This ritual typically takes place at sunset or after dark.

Menorah Lighting and Blessings

On the Second Day, two Hanukkah candles are placed in the menorah, starting from the rightmost position. The shamash is lit first, and then used to light the other two candles, moving from left to right. This ensures the newest candle is lit first. Before lighting, specific blessings are recited, thanking the divine for the miracles and for sustaining the Jewish people. After lighting, it is customary to sing traditional Hanukkah songs.

Traditional Foods

Food plays a significant role in Hanukkah celebrations, with a particular emphasis on dishes fried in oil, symbolising the miracle of the oil. Popular foods include latkes (potato pancakes) served with apple sauce or sour cream, and sufganiyot (jam-filled doughnuts). These dishes are enjoyed by families and shared at gatherings throughout the eight days.

Games and Gifts

Playing the dreidel game is a traditional activity during Hanukkah. The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side, representing the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” (A great miracle happened there). Players gamble with gelt, which are chocolate coins often wrapped in gold foil, or nuts. While gift-giving has become more common, particularly in communities where Hanukkah coincides with other gift-giving holidays, the primary focus remains on the historical and cultural significance of the festival.

Regional Variations

In Israel, Hanukkah is widely celebrated, though it is not a national public holiday. Schools are often closed, allowing children to participate fully. Public menorah lightings are common, and the spirit of the festival is very visible in cities and towns. The sale of sufganiyot becomes widespread, and community events are often organised.

In diaspora communities, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, celebrations are primarily family-centred and often take place at home or in synagogues. While public menorah lightings also occur, the emphasis often shifts to strengthening family bonds and educating younger generations about their heritage. Gift-giving can be more prominent in these regions, sometimes influenced by the proximity to Christmas.

When Is Second Day of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Consequently, the Second Day of Hanukkah always falls on the 26th day of Kislev. Since the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, its dates shift relative to the Gregorian calendar each year.

This means that the Second Day of Hanukkah can occur anywhere from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. The exact Gregorian date varies significantly from year to year, typically starting at sundown on the day before the Gregorian date listed for that year. The observances continue until sundown on the listed date.

Second Day of Hanukkah Key Facts