Hanukkah

'Maccabees of our time'

Netanyahu and Huckabee light candles with IDF troops

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara lit the second Hanukkah candle at the Western Wall with IDF soldiers, praising them as the modern-day Maccabees.

For the second day of Hanukkah:

This year, it's time for a minimalist Hanukkah

It's time for a Hanukkah that simply says: As a Jew, I am the inheritor of Jews who fought for the political independence of the Jewish state. I am a Zionist just like Judah the Maccabee. Op-ed.

After 96 years:

Second Hanukkah candle lit at Hebron’s Valero House

Students of the Shavei Hebron Yeshiva mark a historic moment Monday evening by lighting the second Hanukkah candle at the Valero House in the Hebron Kasbah, the first ceremony at the site since Jews were expelled after the 1929 massacre.

Watch:

Noa Tishby lights candles with Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is repeating a series she started last year in which she lights the Hanukkah candles each night of the festival with a celebrity.

Herzog lights candle with soldiers

'Hope for those seeking light in the darkness:'

President Isaac Herzog lit the second candle of Hanukkah with the soldiers of Unit 669: "I am full of admiration for the generation of heroes - the soldiers and commanders."

Israel's 1st Chief Rabbi:

The single light of Hanukkah

Why does the blessing mention one light when we light an ascending number of candles on the holiday?

Live

Lighting candles for 2nd night of Hanukkah at Western Wall

At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the second Hanukkah candle lighting event is taking place with the participation of the Yad Labanim organization and IDF widows and orphans

Following murderous attack:

Iconic Sydney Opera House lit up with a menorah

The iconic building, which is designed to resemble large sails, was lit up with a menorah with two candles lit, one day after terrorists murdered 16 at a Hanukkah celebration in the city.

First time

IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles at Hasmonean Palaces

For the first time, IDF soldiers held an official Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at the site of the Hasmonean Palaces in Binyamin.

In solidarity with Australian Jews

Levite choir sings on the Temple Mount

A group of Levites sang the final verse of 'Maoz Tzur' at Judaism's holiest site in memory of the victims of the horrific terror attack in Sydney.

In the footsteps of the Maccabees:

Our heroic generation

Words of encouragement for Hanukkah.

Sydney Rabbi: 'Terrorists will not stifle our lives as Jews'

Chabad rabbi of Sydney’s Bondi Beach calls on Jews to respond with faith, unity, and renewed strength, 'All they want to do is bring us down, kill us, make us lose hope, but terror will not stifle our lives as Jews.'

Israel Chief Rabbi:

'Wake up, this is not only our problem'

At a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Israel’s Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber urges world leaders to act against rising antisemitism.

Bnei Menashe in India light the first Hanukkah candle

Hundreds of members of the Bnei Menashe community gathered in Churachandpur, India, to light the first Hanukkah candle, marking a historic moment for descendants of the tribe of Manasseh who only recently began celebrating the holiday.

Estimate:

Iranian based terror cell carried out the Sydney attack

The Telegraph reports that the massacre, in which 16 people were murdered and about 42 injured, was planned with in a Hezbollah-related style.

'Light stronger than darkness'

US Jewish lawmakers decry Sydney attack

25 Jewish US lawmakers condemn the Sydney Hanukkah attack, urge global action against antisemitism and affirm solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

After Sydney attack

Trump urges Jews to 'celebrate proudly'

Trump urges Jews to “celebrate proudly” after the antisemitic Sydney attack, condemning the violence and praising the bravery of the man who stopped one of the attackers.

Just before Hanukkah

California Jewish home targeted in drive-by shooting

Police investigate drive-by shooting at Redlands Jewish home decorated for Hanukkah; ADL, officials condemn antisemitic attack. Suspect remains at large.

Netanyahu:

'Safest place in the world for Jewish people is Israel'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara light first Hanukkah candle with Israel Police officers, family of last remaining hostage Ran Gvili. 'Safest place for Jewish people is where the government, army, & security forces will defend them.'

Ivanka Trump:

'The world needs more light and more Kiddush Hashem'

Marking the first night of Hanukkah, the US president’s daughter said the Sydney terror attack underscores the need for compassion, sanctifying G-d’s name, and bringing light into a dark world.

Major cities reinforce Jewish site security after Sydney massacre

Authorities in Europe and the US increased security at Hanukkah events and Jewish sites after an antisemitic terror attack in Sydney killed at least 11 people, prompting global vigilance.

Massacre at Hanukkah celebration in Sydney

At least 16 people have been killed in a shooting at the site of a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

"אתם המכבים החדשים"

Israel Katz lights first Hanukkah candle with injured soldiers

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits Sheba Medical Center, offering encouragement and support to injured IDF soldiers and their families, and promising to support them throughout their journey.

From the works of Rabbi Chaim Drukman zt"l:

Two aspects of Hanukkah

The victory in war and the dedication of the altar are one and the same. And in our time we have been privileged to see both.

Watch:

Yeshivas across Israel celebrate the first night of Hanukkah

From Yeruham and Sderot in the south to Acco and Hispin in the north, yeshiva students light candles, sing, dance, and study Torah, marking the first night of Hanukkah.

IDF Military Rabbinate band unveils joyful Hanukkah medley

In celebration of Hanukkah, IDF Military Rabbinate Band releases vibrant 7-minute medley of holiday songs, produced by the band’s soldiers and accompanied by a unique music video featuring IDF troops from various units.

'A gift beyond measure'

Watch: Captivity survivor lights the Menorah at the Western Wall

Western Wall Plaza hosted the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle, in the presence of dignitaries and with the participation of former captive Segev Kalfon.

Unusual Hanukkah discovery revealed during excavations

Excavations at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv reveal a 2,000-year-old lamp - just in time for Hanukkah.

‘The candles will be lit again’

Herzog speaks to community leaders after Sydney attack

President Isaac Herzog spoke with Jewish leaders in Sydney following the deadly terror attack at a Chanukah gathering, expressing Israel’s shock, condolences, and full solidarity.

The Hanukkah message in Australia

In response to the Hanukkah massacre in Sydney, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu reminds us that the hatred of Jews did not begin yesterday; it may wear different clothes, but it will never disappear; it is ancient, innate, and deeply rooted.

Watch

In New Zealand, the first Hanukkah candle is lit

In New Zealand, hours before sunset in Israel, the first Hanukkah candle was lit together with Bnei Akiva emissaries and hundreds of members of the Jewish community in Auckland

Naftali Bennett

'Australian government bears responsibility for mass shooting'

Former Israeli Prime Minister says the Australian government has ignored warnings of rising antisemitism, leading to the murder of 10 people at a Hanukkah celebration.

Watch

Hero grabs gun from shooter in Sydney Hanukkah attack

A man hid behind cars and tackled one of the shooters who carried out the deadly attack from behind.

Herzog

'Heart of entire nation misses a beat after Sydney shooting'

Israeli President responds to the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

20 years since disengagement:

Hanukkah candle lighting to be held in Ganim and Kadim

Following a request from MK Limor Son Har Melech, IDF approves organized entry into communities that were evacuated in 2005, to light Hanukkah candles.

Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner zts"l on Hanukkah:

The effects of the Jews' confrontation with Ancient Greece

Rav Yitzchok Hutner's thoughts on the significance of the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks: 'The rekindling of the Temple Menorah on Hanukkah represents a new era of Torah transmission.'

As Hanukkah approaches:

A vote for Judah the Maccabee

“Peace will prevail in the future,” Rabbi Kook concludes, “when people come to recognize clearly that all of the different, individual lights are truly one single light." And who would lead them?

"The beautiful six":

The light they carried into the darkest place on earth

There is only a single, unbroken truth: This is a battle between light and darkness and the line between them is absolute.

'The Beautiful Six'

Families of the six hostages reflect on Hanukkah captivity video

The families of six murdered hostages share an emotional response to footage showing their loved ones lighting Hanukkah candles in captivity, emphasizing their strength, unity, and humanity.

Chilling video

6 hostages light Hanukkah candles in captivity

Newly published footage reveals the six hostages who were murdered in August 2024 lighting Hanukkah candles and singing in a captivity tunnel in Rafah.

Poll:

92% of secular Israelis light Hanukka candles

New poll reveals: Vast majority of secular Israelis light Hanukkah candles, attributing cultural and family values ​​to the custom.

Prelude to Hanukkah:

Dina in a box

G-d assured Yaakov that Eisav’s rule will eventually end. All Yaakov had to do was to ascend the ladder in his dream himself, and he would prevent this version of history from ever happening. Yet Yaakov refused to ascend the ladder.

Festival of Lights:

The real Hanukkah lessons Israel’s leaders should internalize

Amazingly, the Maccabees were able to defeat the major world power of their day. We should be looking more carefully at the details of that victory to see what we can learn from it.

Chilling footage

Six hostages light Hanukkah candles in Hamas captivity

New recordings to be revealed on the TV program “Uvda” will provide a glimpse into the lives of six hostages before they were murdered in Hamas captivity during the war.

Hanukkah menorah arrives at Western Wall ahead of holiday

This year's candlighting ceremonies will be held under the theme, 'And the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with song,' with the participation of captivity survivors.

Watch:

Jewish singers sing Chanuka songs using AI

Musician and creator Shai Barak presents a new AI music video ahead of Hanukkah starring the greatest singers of Jewish music - in a puppet version.

Survey:

Mamdani victory triggers surge in fear among US Jews

American Jews express sharp concern over Mamdani’s election, with most fearing it will harm Jewish security and reflect rising anti-Israel sentiment in the US.

After being closed to women

Jerusalem Municipality cuts funding to haredi Hanukkah concert

The municipality withdrew support after organizers canceled the women’s section and made the haredi Hanukkah concert men-only, following rabbinic rulings against mixed musical events.

Why Jewish unity matters this Hanukkah

When we light our menorahs this Hanukkah, we are not just commemorating an ancient military victory. We are celebrating something far more profound: the triumph of a unified Jewish people who refused to disappear.

'Sick'

Zohran Mamdani condemned for sharing video mocking Hanukkah

Democratic nominee for NYC mayor condemned by the StopAntisemitism movement for sharing video of 'Indian men cosplaying Jews, spinning dreidels and lighting the menorah.'

Barcelona:

'Community getting stronger despite challenges'

Rabbi David Libersohn, Chabad emissary in Barcelona, talks about lighting Hanukkah candles in the city's main square and other Jewish activities, alongside caution and concern about antisemitism.

Watch:

Gal Gadot and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles on final night

On the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is joined for candle lighting by popular Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who says: "A candle is a small thing, but one candle can light another."

Herzog to Be’eri residents:

'We pray the 8th Hanukkah candle will bring wonderful news'

President Isaac Herzog lit the eighth Hanukkah candle with residents of Kibbutz Be’eri, who have been displaced and hosted over the past year in Kibbutz Hatzerim.

Hanukkah and its aftermath: The mother of all price-tags

In historical terms, the Maccabean Revolt was the beginning of the end of the Seleucid Empire. Moral: Don't mess with the Jewish religion.

Focusing on the light:

Wounded soldiers, bereaved youngsters and a Hanukkah surprise

“You are the heroes our children will learn about in the future, just as you learned about the Maccabees when you were in school."

Watch:

Last night of Hanukkah at the Western Wall

The eighth candle will be lit at the Western Wall along with a prayer service for the redemption of Israel.

Mike Huckabee lights menorah in Arkansas

President-elect Trump's nominee for ambassador to Israel joined Chabad to light the menorah in Little Rock. 'You couldn’t get a Maccabee so you’ve got a Huckabee here tonight.'

Yehuda the Maccabee was a realist

Spirtual Q & A on Hanukkah that brings the past to bear on the present.

Watch:

Tiffany Haddish and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

On the seventh night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby and her son Ari are joined for candle lighting by actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, who discusses her journey to discovering her Jewish identity.

First in Knesset history:

Hanukkah candles lit on Knesset floor

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana lit the menorah following the voting session and was joined by the Prime Minister, ministers, and MKs.