It hasn’t happened since 1918 and won’t occur again until 2070. The first full-day of Chanukah -- which began today at sundown -- and Thanksgiving will coincide on Thursday. Both holidays revolve around family and gratitude for life, liberty, and religious freedom. The date of Chanukah changes because it’s based on the lunar calendar that has 354 days, as opposed to the standard calendar of 365 days. Thus, the date can vary from late Nov. to late Dec in any given year.
Chanukah or The Festival of the Lights is an eight-day celebration that commemorates a revolution against assimilation and suppression of the Jewish people in the 2nd century BCE. The eight-day period is symbolized by the eight letters in the festival’s name and in the eight candles of the menorah. The menorah’s ninth candle is used to light all the others. As the sun goes down each day, the flame of a new candle is thought to provide increased light unto the world.
