Hanukkah (Day 1)

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

In Israel, the first day of Hanukkah falls on December 5, 2026.

This occasion is recognized as a public holiday throughout the country, with most businesses and government offices observing closures.

The holiday commemorates the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid Empire and the miracle of the oil, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression.

Hanukkah serves as a significant cornerstone of Jewish identity and heritage, emphasizing the enduring importance of religious tolerance.

Observances typically involve lighting a menorah each night, gradually adding a candle.

Traditional fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot are commonly enjoyed, alongside playing with dreidels and exchanging gifts or gelt.

Special prayers are also recited during this festive period.