LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in almost 20 years, Hanukkah and Christmas are on the same day. The last time this happened was in 2005.

What You Need To Know

  • The last time Hanukkah and Christmas fell on the same day was in 2005

  • The Hebrew calendar changes every year making the start of Hanukkah range from November and December

  • Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is about remembering and commemorating the miracle of reclaiming the second Jewish temple that was taken over by the Syrians and the Greeks over 2000 years ago 

  • The Trager JCC will hold s community celebration on Dec. 30 for everyone young and old to celebrate Hanukkah

President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Louisville Sara Klein Wagner said the Hebrew calendar changes every year.

“So you never know when Hanukkah is coming. Sometimes it’s been on Thanksgiving and sometimes it’s early December,” said Klein Wagner.

Klein Wagner says the story of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is remembering and commemorating the miracle of reclaiming the second Jewish temple that was taken over by the Syrians and the Greeks over 2000 years ago 

“What it’s really about is the independence of being able to be who you are religiously to be, to celebrate whatever religion you are and to live independently. And so the fact that it coincides with Christmas this year is, you know, I think that’s really nice. I think it’s extra special that everybody can have something to celebrate,” said Klein Wagner.

Hanukkah lasts for eight days, honoring the eight days the oil kept light in the temple. 

Klein Wagner said, “The light in the temple should have only lasted for a short period, and it should have lasted for one day, and it lasted for eight days, which is the miracle.”

Marlene Gordon says Hanukkah is one of the happiest, most joyous holidays of the year for the Jewish community.

“I’m having two Hanukkah parties with people just getting together and having latkes and sitting around and having stuff kind of sufganiyot jelly donuts for dessert,” said Gordon.

Another tradition is the dreidel game which was played to prevent being caught practicing and learning Jewish life.

“It’s about teaching the next generation, the stories of Jewish tradition, and this is a really fun one to teach,” said Klein Wagner.

Hanukkah and Christmas won’t fall on the same day again until 2035. The Trager Jewish Community Center will hold its community celebration on Dec. 30 for everyone young and old to celebrate Hanukkah.

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