Chanukah 5787: When It Starts, and What to Plan חנוכה 5787: ווען עס הייבט זיך אן, און וואס צו פלאנירן

It's still Cheshvan, but my wife is already asking about Chanukah. So let's talk.

According to Hebcal, Chanukah 5787 starts Friday at sundown, December 4, 2026, and ends Motzei Shabbos, December 12. Meaning, the first candle is lit on Erev Shabbos.

And that's a bit of a story. Erev Shabbos you light Chanukah candles before the Shabbos candles, and you need enough oil or big candles that burn longer. Motzei Shabbos, Havdalah or Chanukah candles first? Each according to his minhag. Ask your rav, I'm not the address.

What's going on around then? Motzei Shabbos Chanukah, December 5, comedians Dovi Neuburger and Ami Kozak are in Aventura, Florida, two shows. And a few days earlier, December 1, Chai Lifeline takes over Nickelodeon Universe.

My advice from experience: buy the candles now. Erev Chanukah every store is a war zone. Latkes? Bubby's old recipe doesn't get touched, that's a minhag by now. And get the dreidels ready for the kids, and for the fathers who say "just one game".

Until then, enjoy Cheshvan. The only month where you can rest from all the Yomim Tovim.