History of Hanukkah in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. The Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, who had desecrated the Temple and oppressed the Jewish people, led to a Jewish victory. Upon reclaiming the Temple, the Jews found only enough consecrated oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, hence the eight-day celebration. Hanukkah is observed by lighting candles on a menorah each night, along with prayers, traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and playing dreidel.

1951: Hanukkah Menorah Presented to President Truman

In 1951, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion gifted a Hanukkah menorah to United States President Harry Truman.

1979: First Public Hanukkah Candle-Lighting at the White House

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter participated in the inaugural public Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the White House lawn.

1989: Menorah Displayed at the White House

In 1989, President George H. W. Bush showcased a menorah in the White House.

1993: Small Hanukkah Ceremony in the Oval Office

In 1993, President Bill Clinton hosted a small Hanukkah ceremony in the Oval Office with a group of schoolchildren.

1996: USPS Issues Hanukkah Stamp

In 1996, the United States Postal Service (USPS) released a 32 cent Hanukkah stamp in collaboration with Israel.

2004: USPS Issues Dreidel Design for Hanukkah Stamp

In 2004, the USPS introduced a dreidel design for the Hanukkah stamp, replacing the menorah design after eight years.

2008: Official Hanukkah Reception at the White House

In 2008, President George W. Bush held an official Hanukkah reception in the White House, referencing the 1951 menorah gift for the ceremony.

2009: Hanukkah Stamp with Menorah Photograph Issued

In 2009, a Hanukkah stamp featuring a photograph of a menorah with nine lit candles was issued.

2013: Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Convergence

In 2013, on November 28th, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah coincided, a rare occurrence dubbed "Thanksgivukkah".

December 2014: Hanukkah Celebrations at the White House

In December 2014, two Hanukkah celebrations took place at the White House, featuring a menorah made by students from Israel and a message of hope and resilience from President Obama.

December 2022: Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Celebration at Carnegie Hall

In December 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and other leaders came together at Carnegie Hall to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, promoting unity against racism and antisemitism.