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.

Programme

• Introduction by Rector Magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek
• Two speeches, by prof. dr. Emile Schrijver and a student
• The lighting of the Hanukkiah

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Hanukkah!

Why the CDO supports the celebration of Hanukkah

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.