Hanukkah, which means “dedication,” commemorates the rededication of the Second Jewish Temple in 165 B.C. The rededication of the temple involved lighting of the oil lamps; however, they had only enough oil to light the Temple's candelabrum for one day. But miraculously, the oil continued to burn for a total of eight days. That is why Hanukkah has always been celebrated for eight nights.

During Hanukkah, Jews light the menorah, a special nine-branched candelabrum, by adding one candle each night until all eight candles are lit while reciting prayers. The ninth candle sits in the middle and is larger than the rest. This candle is used to light the others.

​They also play the dreidel game, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).

Hanukkah represents the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and freedom over oppression, making it a joyous and festive celebration for Jewish communities around the world.

Classic Potato Latke Recipe
The Dreidel Song

​This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7, and finishes at sundown on Friday, Dec. 15. 

A spoiled Prince, he grew up unaware of the harsh realities of life. When he finally witnessed the poverty, suffering and death in his kingdom, he went out in search of the true meaning of life. After years of studying under multiple masters, he was destitute and near death when he sat under the Bodhi tree, a very old fig tree, where he stayed, meditating for a very long time (sources report anywhere from seven days to 49 years). On the morning of the 8th Day of the 12th moon of the year, Siddhartha Gautama awoke from his meditation, staring at the rising Morning Star, Venus. Enlightened. His realizations became the Four Noble Truths. He was now The Buddha, The Teacher.

Bodhi Day is celebrated with calm and peace, often with meditation, prayer, and performing acts of kindness.  Some observe the day by studying Buddhist scriptures, reflecting on their personal journey towards spiritual awakening and recommitting themselves to the principles of Buddhism. They also enjoy a meal of cake and tea or rice and milk. Some Buddhists light candles or decorate for Bodhi Day by hanging strings of colored lights on trees or in their homes, representing the many paths to enlightenment.

There are actually two Bodhi days each year. The “Secular” Bodhi Day, celebrated on a fixed date in much of the Western World and Japan, is December 8. The Lunar Bodhi Day, which changes dates each year based on the lunar calendar, will be celebrated next in January 2024.

To our friends and colleagues celebrating, may the full moon of Buddha Purnima bring you blessings of inner peace, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening.
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Happy Buddha Purnima 2023!
Bodhi Day Rice Porridge Recipe