Editing Hanukkah: Celebrate the Festival of Lights (section)

=== The Significance of the First Night of Hanukkah 2024 ===
The '''first night of Hanukkah 2024''', which falls on '''Thursday, December 12''', is a time for families to come together, reflect on the significance of the holiday, and begin the lighting of the menorah. The menorah is a candelabra with nine branches, one for each night of Hanukkah, and an additional branch called the '''shamash''' (helper) used to light the other candles.

On the '''first night of Hanukkah''', one candle is lit on the menorah. Each subsequent night, one more candle is added until all eight candles are lit on the final night. This lighting symbolizes the increasing strength of the miracle that occurred and the growing light in the world. Families often recite prayers, sing '''Hanukkah songs''', and enjoy traditional foods during this time.