What night of Hanukkah is tonight? And how is it traditionally celebrated?

Hanukkah began on Thursday, December 7 and is an eight day-and-night long celebration that will conclude on December 15 but what happens on the second night of Hanukkah?

The second night involves lighting two candles on the Hanukkiah by using the shamash to light them, with the Hanukkiah being placed within windows or doorways. Traditional foods, blessings and games are played within families and close communities to celebrate the day.

This nightly ritual symbolizes the increasing light and joy during the holiday. Families often gather, recite blessings, sing songs, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods to commemorate this occasion.

What happens every day of Hanukkah?

On each day, a candle is used to light the Hanukkiah with the number of candles to be lit depending on the day of the celebration. For example, the second day has two candles lit, the fourth, four etc...

It is celebrated with a Hanukiah lighting as well as playing dreidel, singing songs and foods. People give and receive gifts an money called gelt whilst families give each other a present on each night.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It's celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

The central symbol of Hanukkah is the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. One candle is lit on each night of the festival, with an additional candle called the shamash used to light the others.

It's a time of joy, where families come together, exchange gifts, play games like dreidel, and enjoy foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).