Hanukkah (Day 5)

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an annual Jewish festival.

It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt.

Observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th of Kislev, the fifth day of Hanukkah in 2026 falls on December 9th.

In Israel, Hanukkah is a public holiday, with most businesses and government offices operating on a limited schedule or closing entirely.

The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, representing religious freedom and resilience.

Hanukkah underscores the importance of preserving religious traditions and identity, especially in the face of assimilation or persecution.

The core narrative revolves around a miracle where oil intended for the Temple's lamps miraculously lasted for eight days, reinforcing themes of hope and divine intervention.

During Hanukkah, families light the menorah each evening, adding an additional candle each night.

On the fifth night, four candles are lit, in addition to the helper candle known as the shamash.

Observances often include reciting special blessings, singing traditional songs, and enjoying foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (doughnuts).

Playing dreidel (a game with a four-sided spinning top) and the giving of gelt (money) or gifts are also common customs, particularly for children.