For the first time ever, the first day of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, falls on Thanksgiving day.
Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. The latest it can be is 11/28. The earliest Hanukkah can be is 11/28. According to the Jewish calendar, the last time the two holidays coincided was 1861. However, Thanksgiving was not formally established until 1863.
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah will never coincide again because the Jewish (lunar) calendar is very slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar, so that eventually the earliest Hanukkah can be is 11/29.
Jewish people read Psalms 113-118 on joyous occasions including Hanukkah. They give thanks and praise God's great name.
Thanksgiving to God - Our obligation to offer thanks to our Redeemer-is a Major aspect of Hanukkah!
Hanukkah is more about Thanking God for all He did.
An observant Jew says up to a 100 Blessings daily, one they say is - when you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless The Lord your God!
