Tonight begins one of the main holidays in the Jewish tradition - Hanukkah. The holiday is established in honor of the victory of the Maccabees (Hasmonaeans), Jewish rebels and defenders of the faith, in the war with the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire for national independence in the 2nd century BC. e. The uprising lasted three years, and the Jews won a victory over the superior troops of King Antiochus and liberated Jerusalem. Ritual oil was needed to consecrate the Temple, but there was too little of it, only for one day. But the unexpected happened - the lit lamp burned for eight days, and this was enough to cleanse the Temple. In honor of this, on the days of Hanukkah, eight candles are lit, thanking G-d for the miracle that happened.

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, starting on the 25th day of the month of Kislev according to the Jewish calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this year, the holiday will be celebrated from the evening of December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025. During the days of Hanukkah, in addition to lighting candles in a special candlestick – hanukkiah, it is customary to arrange family meals. On the table there must be traditional dishes fried in oil, primarily donuts (sufganiyot). Everyone can and should add as much light and goodness to the world around them as they can.

In times when it seems that darkness surrounds and envelops us on all sides and there is no hope for the best, Hanukkah is a wonderful reminder that G-d expects us to have faith and hope, not to sink into despair and disbelief. So, as many years ago, we believe that after dark days there will definitely be light, that even a small ray of light can overcome the darkness.

Happy holiday! Light and victories!!

Happy Hanukkah!

חג חנוכה שמח