Is Hanukkah a national holiday

Answer 1

Outside of Israel:

Jewish holidays are not national holidays, but some businesses and schools will allow Jewish people to take the day off.

In Israel:

Generally, Torah holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot) are national public holidays in Israel, with banks and schools (and many businesses) closed.

Exceptions/departures:

-- Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, are not religious occasions but are national holidays in Israel. Businesses and schools are open on Jerusalem Day, and are closed on Independence Day. Some synagogues add a special prayer on Independence Day.

-- Purim is a religious occasion but is not written in the Torah itself. In Israel, there are public festivities everywhere, and schools are closed. Banks have a half-day, and businesses typically have paid leave.

-- The festival of Hanukkah is a religious and festive occasion not written in the Torah itself, and is not a national holiday. Many businesses close early (around 3-4 p.m.).

-- The Sabbath (every Saturday) is a day of rest on which most businesses in Israel, and banks, are closed.

-- Rosh Chodesh (new month) is a Torah-occasion but not a day of rest or a holiday. Businesses and schools are open.

-- Note: The five days of the normal work/business/office week in Israel

are Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the 'week end',

corresponding to the Muslim and Jewish sabbaths. Many businesses, and schools, have a half-day on Friday.

Answer 2

It is a Jewish religious holiday. It is not considered a bank holiday in Israel, but the holiday is widely celebrated among the Jewish population during its 8 days in Israel and worldwide.

Answer 3

Yom Kippur is a RELIGIOUS holiday, and is celebrated by Jews all over the world.

Answer 4

In Israel, schools are closed during Hanukkah, though businesses are open.See also:

More about Hanukkah

Answer 5

Not in the United States.