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Hanukkah in Scandinavia

Visiting Scandinavia during Hanukkah?

By Terri Mapes, About.com

Hanukkah

Hanukkah

Library of Congress

Hanukkah in Scandinavia is a well-known Jewish celebration. Not only in Scandinavia is Hanukkah the Festival of Lights a major annual event for those of Jewish belief. You will find that if you spend Hanukkah/Chanuka in Scandinavia, both locals and visitors there celebrate this Jewish holiday according to well-known traditions.

Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is the Jews' yearly celebration of the victory of the Maccabees as well as the Jerusalem Temple celebration. Jewish travelers know that this annual holiday lasts for 8 days and takes place between late November and late December.

Dates for Hanukkah in 2007: December 4-12, 2007
Dates for Hanukkah in 2008: December 21-29, 2008
Dates for Hankukkah in 2009: December 11-19, 2009

If you travel with others of a different belief, note that most Jewish families in Scandinavia retain their traditions and celebrate Hanukkah/Chanukah in Jewish language.

Scandinavians celebrate Hanukkah/Chanukah in the traditional Jewish way as well: In Jewish homes in Scandinavia, candles are lit each night, and blessings, prayers, and songs are part of the Scandinavian Hanukkah customs - identical to the way this holiday is celebrated in many other parts of the world.

There are Jewish communities in Scandinavia - especially in Sweden and Denmark - that you may be able to join during your visit (see below).

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