RAMAT GAN, Israel- On Sunday, as the sun set, Israeli Jews marked the last day of their festival of lights- Hanukkah.
Hanukkah (dedication in Hebrew) commemorates the victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in the 2nd century BC in a Judean revolt against Seleucid Empire armies which ensured the restoration of Jerusalem’s Jewish temple.
The eight-day festival is focused on the theme of light. According to Jewish tradition, the Maccabees had found only enough pure oil for the ritual to fuel the Menorah (temple’s ceremonial lamp) for one day. However, it continued to burn over a period of eight days.
On this Jewish holiday, it is customary for families and friends to meet in the evening and light the nine-arm candelabra called the Hanukiah which is generally set by a window and eat deep-fried potato pancakes or jam-filled doughnuts.
A special candle called the Shamash lights the Hanukkah candle each day of the holiday and it begins with one candle on the first night and another every evening.
Israelis consider Hannukah to hold special significance as it the Maccabee victory is symbolic of Jewish triumph over the darkest times.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.