Honors College Invites UNM to Celebrate Chanukah
October 30, 2026 - Alexandria Hewitt
The Honors College invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to gather for an evening of culture and tradition at an upcoming Chanukah celebration on Monday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Honors College Forum.
The celebration will feature candle-lighting, dreidel games, and plenty of fried deliciousness, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and connect. Whether you're familiar with Chanukah traditions or will be experiencing them for the first time, this event offers a chance to engage with a rich cultural heritage, enjoy a festive study break, and connect with the UNM Honors community.
This event is brought to you in partnership with UNM Student Affairs, UNM University College, UNM Division for Change & Empowerment, Hillel at UNM, and the Academic Engagement Network.
About Chanukah:
Known for its emphasis on community and reflection, Chanukah (often spelled Hanukkah), which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. Per tradition, after the Maccabean Revolt, Jewish people rededicated the Temple and lit its menorah, or sacred lamp. Although there was only enough oil for one day, the flame burned for a full eight days, which was enough time to obtain more oil to keep it perpetually illuminated.
In 2026, Chanukah begins at sunset Friday, Dec. 4 and ends at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 12.
