This event is one of several being organised by the Central Diversity Office (CDO)External link as part of a broader programme around religious holidays. Hanukkah is one of the many religious holidays celebrated by UvA students and staff. We believe it's important that these special days be widely accessible. That's why we not only make room for Hanukkah, but also for Ramadan, Keti Koti and other important days. 

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday. During Hanukkah, Jewish people commemorate the miracle of an oil lamp in the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 164 BCE. The lamp burned for eight days, despite the small amount of oil. The holiday is seen as a symbol of perseverance and faith, and reminds the Jewish community of their identity and resilience. This is more a cultural than a religious holiday, although it is partly about religious freedom. However, this holiday is not prescribed in the Torah and/or Tanakh. Celebrating Hanukkah offers an opportunity for the community to strengthen their identity and mutual bonds. It is a time of joy, connection and cultural remembrance, which is especially valuable for Jewish people in mixed communities. Hanukkah is celebrated on different dates each year in our (Gregorian) calendar. This is because the Jewish calendar, which determines the holiday, follows a different system. The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, just like the Islamic calendar. This means that the months are determined by the position of the moon, rather than the sun.

This year, Hanukkah is celebrated between 25 December and 2 January. Because this coincides with the closure of the UvA, we will celebrate Hanukkah earlier. Everyone is welcome, also if you do not have Jewish roots, if you want to learn more about Judaism, or if you want to contribute to an inclusive culture within our university!

Programme

• Speakers: Irene Zwiep and Elon Heijmans 
• Candles will be lit by a student or staff member from each faculty  
• Drinks and kosher snacks will be offered