However, this story is not to be found in the Bible, but in the apocryphal books, which are not part of the canon of the Hebrew Bible. In Israel, Hanukkah is celebrated with great joy. A central custom is the lighting of the Hanukkia, a nine-branched candelabrum. Each evening of the festival, an additional candle is lit until all the lights are lit on the eighth evening. This is usually done in a public space or at a window to spread the miracle of light. Traditional dishes such as sufganiyot (stuffed doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) are at the heart of the culinary experience. These dishes are fried in oil, which is reminiscent of the miracle of oil in the temple. In modern Israeli society, Hanukkah is also a celebration of family and community.

Diverse events everywhere

There are public Hanukkah celebrations, concerts and events. Children often receive gifts or money (Hanukkah money), and Hanukkah songs are sung and games played, including the well-known dreidel game. Today, Hanukkah is a symbol of religious freedom and the resilience of the Jewish people.

In Israel, a country that emerged from the ashes of the Holocaust and centuries of persecution, Hanukkah has a deep symbolic meaning. It is a festival that not only commemorates a historical miracle, but also celebrates the Jewish people’s constant hope and unwavering quest for self-determination and peace.

The children are particularly looking forward to the party. It’s a whole week’s vacation. During this week there are lots of events where the children can do handicrafts, play and above all eat lots of delicious Suvganiot.

Then, when it is cold and dark in December, the candles and being together make the atmosphere wonderfully pleasant.