Can you work during hanukkah

Photo of etrog by Larry Goldbaum. The last portion of the Torah is read on this day. Observant Jews do not work or travel on this yom tov or "holy day. Hanukkah The eight-day festival of Hanukkah—or "Festival of Lights"—commemorates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. In fact, it is a relatively minor Jewish holiday in religious terms which unlike most other Jewish holidays, has no restrictions whatsoever on work or travel—although many Jewish families and communities get together to celebrate this festive holiday.

It is customary to eat fried foods such as potato latkes or jelly doughnuts. Photo of Hanukkah menorah or 'chanukiah' in Hebrew by Larry Goldbaum Purim This carnival-like holiday celebrates the defeat of a plot to destroy the Jews of Persia. It is customary to dress in costumes similar to Halloween or Mardi Gras , and to give gifts of food to friends and the needy, particularly hamantashen , triangular pastries filled with fruit or poppy seeds.

We are pleased to present the following information not only for the edification of our website visitors but also as a concise resource that can be shared with schools, employers and others who might wish to better understand the days on which observant Jews face work restrictions or religious obligations of other kinds.

Please note that the following is intended for informational purposes only. One should contact their own rabbi with any questions regarding the practical application of Jewish law. The Jewish day begins in the evening, which is why the Sabbath starts before sunset on Fridays and concludes after nightfall on Saturdays; the same is is true for all Jewish holidays.

All Jewish holidays and observances, with the exception of some fasts, begin on the evening preceding the first day. Fasts that do not begin the preceding evening commence with the morning's first light. Before Jewish holidays with Sabbath-like restrictions, it is necessary for all normal business, school and secular activities to cease with sufficient time to allow for adequate preparations. This is typically several hours before sundown on the eve of the holiday. Actual holiday restrictions go into effect approximately half an hour before sundown on the eve of the holiday.

And this year, Chanukah starts in November. The name is a Hebrew word, meaning dedication, that has been transliterated into English. So I made that last part up, but part of celebrating Chanukah customarily means eating latkes and other foods fried in oil, to remind us of the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. Disclaimer: these are my opinions. Some might disagree. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! Laura Weisskopf Bleill is the co-founder and editor of chambanamoms.

You can reach her at laura chambanamoms dot com. Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter.