Third Day of Hanukkah

What Is the Third Day of Hanukkah?

The Third Day of Hanukkah is an observance within the broader Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE. Each day of Hanukkah adds another light to the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum, symbolising the miracle of the oil that reportedly lasted for eight days instead of one.

On the third night of Hanukkah, three principal candles are lit, in addition to the ‘shamash’ or ‘helper’ candle. This progression of light is central to the festival’s customs, as families and communities gather to perform the lighting ceremony and recite specific blessings. While Hanukkah itself is widely recognised, the third day does not hold distinct historical significance beyond its sequential place in the eight-day commemoration.

The observance is a period of reflection, communal gatherings, and specific traditions that reinforce Jewish identity and the historical narrative. It is primarily observed by Jewish communities in countries such as Israel and the United States, as well as by diaspora communities worldwide.

History and Origins of the Third Day of Hanukkah

The history of the Third Day of Hanukkah is intrinsically linked to the origins of Hanukkah itself. The festival dates back to the 2nd century BCE when Judea was under the rule of the Seleucid Empire. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, issued decrees outlawing Jewish religious practices and desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem, dedicating it to Zeus.

A Jewish rebellion, led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, successfully overthrew Seleucid rule. Upon reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees sought to purify and rededicate it. According to the Talmud, they found only a small cruse of olive oil, enough to light the Temple’s menorah for a single day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allowing sufficient time to prepare new ritually pure oil. This event became the foundation for the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.

While the story recounts the miracle of the oil, the specific “third day” does not have an isolated historical event. Instead, it represents the third stage of commemorating this eight-day miracle through the progressive lighting of the menorah. Each night symbolises the ongoing duration of the oil’s miraculous burn, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention and perseverance. The tradition of adding a light each night reinforces the idea of increasing light and joy throughout the festival.

How the Third Day of Hanukkah Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Third Day of Hanukkah follow the established patterns of the wider festival, with the lighting of the menorah being the central custom. The precise customs can vary slightly depending on regional and family traditions, but the core elements remain consistent across Jewish communities.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

On the third night of Hanukkah, the menorah is prepared with three candles placed from right to left in the candle holders, along with the ‘shamash’ candle, which is usually set apart from the others. The ‘shamash’ is lit first, and then used to light the three principal candles, moving from left to right. As the candles are lit, specific blessings are recited. The first two blessings express gratitude for the commandments and for the miracles performed, while the third blessing, Shehecheyanu, is typically recited only on the first night of Hanukkah and other significant occasions, not on subsequent nights unless it’s the first time one is observing that year. After the blessings, traditional Hanukkah songs, such as ‘Ma’oz Tzur’, are often sung. The menorah is then placed in a visible location, often by a window, to publicly proclaim the miracle of Hanukkah.

Traditional Foods

Food plays a significant role in Hanukkah celebrations, with many dishes featuring oil in commemoration of the miracle. Common fried foods include ‘latkes’ (potato pancakes) and ‘sufganiyot’ (jelly-filled doughnuts). These items are prepared and consumed by families as part of the celebratory meals. In some regions, other oil-rich foods like cheese-filled pastries are also traditional.

Games and Gifts

Playing the ‘dreidel’, a four-sided spinning top, is a popular Hanukkah custom, especially for children. Each side of the dreidel bears a Hebrew letter, forming an acronym that stands for “A great miracle happened there” (or “here” in Israel). Players typically gamble with ‘gelt’ (chocolate coins wrapped in foil) or small sweets. The giving of ‘gelt’, both real and chocolate, is also a common practice, particularly for children. In many Western countries, such as the United States, there has been an increased custom of exchanging gifts during Hanukkah, possibly influenced by the proximity to Christmas. This practice varies widely among families, with some opting for smaller gifts each night and others focusing on one or two significant presents.

Community Gatherings

While primarily a home-based observance, the Third Day of Hanukkah, like other nights of the festival, is often marked by community gatherings. Synagogues and Jewish community centres may host public menorah lightings, communal meals, and festive events for families. These gatherings foster a sense of collective celebration and reinforce the communal aspects of the holiday.

When Is the Third Day of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is observed for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Since the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, its dates fluctuate when compared to the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the Third Day of Hanukkah can fall anytime from late November to late December.

The starting date of Hanukkah remains fixed within the Hebrew calendar, ensuring that the third day consistently follows the second. For example, if the first day of Hanukkah falls on a Tuesday evening, the third day would be on Thursday evening. The precise Gregorian date changes annually, requiring consultation of a Jewish calendar. This variability means that families planning observances must reference the current year’s calendar.

Third Day of Hanukkah Key Facts