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חֲנֻכָּה
Hanukkah 2026

Hebrew year 5787

The Festival of Lights

December 4-12, 2026

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Pick a city to see its kosher restaurants, caterers, and bakeries around Hanukkah 2026, then order meals or book catering directly with them.

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, after the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid Empire. The central mitzvah is lighting the chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah): one candle the first night, adding one each night until all eight are lit. Traditional foods are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

Hanukkah Traditions

How Jews observe Hanukkah around the world.

Lighting the chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) each night for eight nights

Placing the chanukiah by the window or doorway to publicize the miracle

Singing traditional Hanukkah songs (Ma'oz Tzur, Al HaNissim)

Playing dreidel (a spinning top) for chocolate gelt

Giving Hanukkah gelt (gifts of money or chocolate coins)

Exchanging gifts (especially in North American communities)

Eating fried foods: latkes and sufganiyot

Reciting Hallel and Al HaNissim prayers

Hanukkah Food Guide

Traditional foods and where to find them.

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

Crispy fried potato pancakes, the quintessential Hanukkah food in Ashkenazi tradition. Served with sour cream or applesauce.

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Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)

Deep-fried jelly-filled doughnuts, especially popular in Israeli tradition. Available in endless flavors at kosher bakeries during Hanukkah.

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Brisket

Slow-braised beef brisket is a Hanukkah dinner staple in many Ashkenazi households, often served alongside latkes.

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Rugelach

Crescent-shaped pastries filled with jam, chocolate, or nuts, a traditional holiday sweet from Jewish bakeries.

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Kashrut Notes for Hanukkah

Hanukkah itself has no additional kosher restrictions beyond standard kashrut. It is not a biblically mandated holiday like Passover or Rosh Hashanah
Hanukkah is not a Yom Tov: work is permitted and regular weekday restrictions apply
Fried foods should be made with kosher-certified oil
Dairy and meat meals are both traditional for Hanukkah. Some families have dairy on some nights (commemorating Judith) and meat on others
Sufganiyot from kosher bakeries will be certified. Watch for dairy vs. pareve versions
Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) should have a kosher certification

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Hanukkah FAQs

Common questions about Hanukkah 5787.

When is Hanukkah 2026?

Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12. The first candle is lit on the night of December 4.

How many candles are on a Hanukkiah?

A chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) has nine branches: eight candles for each night of Hanukkah plus one shamash (helper candle) used to light the others. On the first night, one candle plus the shamash; on the eighth night, all nine are lit.

Why do we eat fried food on Hanukkah?

The Talmud records that when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only one small jug of ritually pure olive oil, enough to last one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days. Eating oil-fried foods (latkes, sufganiyot) commemorates this miracle of the oil.

What's the difference between Hanukkah and the American holiday season?

Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday in terms of religious significance. It's not one of the biblically commanded holidays. Gift-giving and prominence in North America increased partly due to proximity to Christmas. Religiously, the central mitzvah is lighting the chanukiah and publicizing the miracle.

Where can I find kosher Hanukkah food?

Kosher bakeries stock sufganiyot in large quantities during Hanukkah. Kosher grocery stores carry Hanukkah-themed items including gelt, candles, and holiday-packaged foods. Many kosher restaurants offer Hanukkah catering and special menus.