When Does Hanukkah Start In 2021: 5 Things To Know In VA, DC

VIRGINIA — The annual Jewish holiday Hanukkah will begin at sundown on Sunday, Nov. 28, and run through nightfall on Monday, Dec. 6.

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated Syrian-Greek oppressors who tried forcing them to abandon their religion and adopt Greek culture.

The story has it that, led by Judah Maccabeus, they recaptured the holy temple in Jerusalem. Arriving there, they found only enough olive oil to light candles for one night, but the oil lasted for eight nights. That's why the Hanukkah celebration is a "festival of lights."

Here are just a few Hanukkah observances planned in DC and northern Virginia in the coming week:

Chanukah Festival: The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria; Nov. 28, 5:30 pm; Admission: Free. Experience the festival of lights with Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington on the first night of Chanukah. Along with the lighting of a 6-foot Menorah, enjoy treats (hot potato latkes, hot cocoa, donuts) and lights sticks for kids, and music. The event is free, but register in advance.

The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah: At The Wharf in Southwest DC; Nov. 28-Dec. 6, 5-6 pm; Admission: Free. The Wharf continues its annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Enjoy an evening stroll along the waterfront and maybe go for a spin at the ice rink.

"Lights & Ice” Hanukkah Skate Night: Canal Park, Capitol Riverfront, Washington, DC
Dec. 2. Admission: Regular skate cost. Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Canal Park Ice Rink. The first 100 attendees get free skate rentals, plus there will be a live DJ, fried donuts, and giveaways.

Chanukah on Ice: Pentagon Row Ice Rink in Pentagon City; Dec. 2, 6-8 pm; Admission: $10-13. Celebrate the holiday with a giant menorah lighting, holiday treats, raffles, and ice skating. Ice skate rentals are included, but a kosher dinner will be sold separately for $5 and includes hot latkes, Kosher hot dogs, donut, and water. Admission is $13.

Community Menorah Lighting: Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District in Fairfax; Dec. 5, 5-7 pm; Admission: Free.
The JCC of Northern Virginia hosts the celebration on the last night of Chanukah. Join for the menorah candle lighting, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel, and more.

Here are five other things to know about the Jewish holiday:

1. Why Does Hanukkah Start On A Different Day Every Year? Hanukkah is aneight-day winter "festival of lights," which begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Since the Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates for Hanukkah vary from year to year. It has taken place anywhere from late November to late December. In 2019, Hanukkah began on Dec. 22. In 2021, it will begin on Nov. 28.

2. Where Does It Rank Among The Jewish Holidays? Members of the Jewish faith consider Hanukkah a minor holiday compared to celebrations such as Rosh Hashanah, which marks the new year, and Passover, which commemorates the escape from Egypt.

3. Is It The Jewish Equivalent Of Christmas? No. Hanukkah often gets connected with the Christian holiday Christmas, but the only connection Hanukkah has with Christmas is that both holidays occur in December.

4. How It's Celebrated: Every evening at sundown, candles on a menorah (a candleholder with nine branches) are lit. The nine branches are for eight candles representing the eight days the oil lasted, and one for the candle used to light the others.

5. Did You Know? There's no mention of Hanukkah in the Torah, the most sacred part of the Hebrew Bible. But it is referenced in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, according to History.com. The events that inspired Hanukkah occurred after the Torah was written. It was mentioned in the New Testament when Jesus attends a "feast of dedication."