Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish observance that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This eight-day festival is centered around the lighting of the Menorah, a nine-branched candlestick, with one additional candle being lit each night. While focused on religious significance, Hanukkah also incorporates elements of joy and celebration, traditionally including activities such as playing the dreidel game and sharing special foods, including latkes and sufganiyot (jam-filled doughnuts).

The observance of Hanukkah stems from events that took place in the second century B.C., when the Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt, freeing Jerusalem and rededicating the temple. In the United Kingdom, as in many other parts of the world, this historical context is recognised and acknowledged, despite the UK's Jewish population being relatively small. The significance of the Hanukkah Ends is seen in the broader context of religious freedom, a concept that has resonated through British history and contributes to the diverse, multicultural society of the UK today.

In the UK, the ending of Hanukkah is marked much like the rest of the festival, with the lighting of the Menorah taking place in homes and synagogues and, in some cities, public candle-lighting ceremonies. There is a distinct unity among Jewish communities during this time, with gatherings and festive events held across the country. Like other countries, Hanukkah Ends in the United Kingdom according to the Hebrew calendar, on the 2nd or 3rd of December, finishing eight days after it begins. This conclusion serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, resilience, and the power of light over darkness.