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Hanukkah

News and updates about Hanukkah

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.

'Community getting stronger despite challenges'

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."

Gal Gadot and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles on final night

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.

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

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.

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

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."

Wounded soldiers, bereaved youngsters and a Hanukkah surprise

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.

Last night of Hanukkah at the Western Wall

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.'

Mike Huckabee lights menorah in Arkansas

Yehuda the Maccabee was a realist

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

Yehuda the Maccabee was a realist

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.

Tiffany Haddish and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

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.

Hanukkah candles lit on Knesset floor

Moving footage:

IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles in Jabaliya's central square

Soldiers of the 401st Brigade lit the menorah at 'Hahachra'a' (victory - lit. decision) Square, formerly known as Palestine Square in Jabaliya while their wounded friends lit the candles at Sheba Hospital.

IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles in Jabaliya's central square

NYT game botches Hanukkah theme

A Strands shanda? NYT game misspells Hanukkah in Festival of Lights-themed puzzle. 'This is like putting ‘egg nog’ in a puzzle about Easter - it's just insulting.'

NYT game botches Hanukkah theme

Hours after the tragedy:

Netzach Yehuda commander and soldiers light Hanukkah candles

Netzach Yehuda battalion commander, who lost a soldier in Gaza on Monday, lights Hanukkah candles with his remaining soldiers in Gaza.

Netzach Yehuda commander and soldiers light Hanukkah candles

From Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner zts"l's teachings:

Hanukkah: How Torah forgetfulness caused the Renaissance of Torah

There was a major shift in the world of Torah scholarship 2,200 years ago. A new light was born in response to the Greeks' darkness that, paradoxically, strengthened Torah scholarship for all time.

Hanukkah: How Torah forgetfulness caused the Renaissance of Torah

Watch:

Cindy Crawford and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

On the sixth night of Hanukkah, Noa Tishby is joined by iconic actress Cindy Crawford. The two light candles and talk about allyship, family, and the beauty of sharing traditions.

Cindy Crawford and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

'I have to feel like I'm a hostage'

Chief Rabbi lights Hanukkah candles at Hostages Square

Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber lit Hanukkah candles at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. 'It can not be that we have brethren who are hostages and we act like it's a regular day.'

Chief Rabbi lights Hanukkah candles at Hostages Square

'You are all heroes'

IDF Chief of Staff lights Hanukkah candles with wounded soldiers

LTG Halevi expressed his appreciation to the medical staff for their life-saving work and lit the fifth candle of Hanukkah with the injured personnel and their families.

IDF Chief of Staff lights Hanukkah candles with wounded soldiers

Hanukkah – The Movie

As a legendary actor of Hollywood teaches: “When you have to shoot – shoot.”

Hanukkah – The Movie

The darkness of Yavan lives on for us to overcome with light

Like the Hashmoneans, we have to stand steadfast against the ideology of Yavan as seen in the UN, ICC and academia. With courage, conviction and Jewish pride, we must expose the darkness for what it is.

The darkness of Yavan lives on for us to overcome with light

During Hanukkah:

Jewish children around world raise awareness for hostages

The children of Tikva School, supported by the Yael Foundation, identified with the plight of the hostages as Ukrainian refugees and united to form a moving human yellow ribbon, singing about home in Hebrew. We pray for the

Jewish children around world raise awareness for hostages

Hoard of coins of Hasmonean king discovered in Jordan Valley

The coins, which belonged to King Alexander Jannaeus, a fascinating find that coincides with the festival of lights, were discovered by researchers of University of Haifa

Hoard of coins of Hasmonean king discovered in Jordan Valley

Watch:

Van Jones and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

On the fifth night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is joined for candle lighting by author and CNN host Van Jones, who highlights the similarities between the Jewish community and the Black community.

Van Jones and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

Herzog:

'We are in a historical chapter'

President Isaac Herzog lights Hanukkah candles with reservists from Battalion 9213: We will be stronger and more resilient if we maintain our unity.

'We are in a historical chapter'

Hanukkah initiative

Prayers for hostages at candlelighting

Over 20,000 people are dedicating a few minutes after lighting candles to pray for the recovery of the remaining hostages.

Prayers for hostages at candlelighting

Tzfat:

Fire breaks out after lit menorah falls over

Crews searched for trapped individuals, aired out the smoke, and extinguished the flames which were suspected to have been caused by a lit menorah that fell over.

Fire breaks out after lit menorah falls over

Watch:

Iliza Shlesinger and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

On the fourth night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is joined for candle lighting by comedian, actress and television host, Iliza Shlesinger, who makes an argument that Hanukkah might just be the most American holiday.

Iliza Shlesinger and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

Son of hostage: Our strength is in our unity!

Yocheved Lifshitz, who was kidnapped by Hamas and freed after 17 days, lights Hanukkah candles at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv: The 449 days that have passed are now one painful day until all our hostages return.

Son of hostage: Our strength is in our unity!

From darkness to light:

Menorah made of missile fragments displayed in Hostages Square

Large Hanukkah menorah made of rocket fragments, created by artist Eli Gross, is set up in Hostages Square.

Menorah made of missile fragments displayed in Hostages Square

Rav Kook Torah:

Hanukkah: The sacred protects itself

Rabbi Kook explains how Knesset Yisrael knows how to join heaven and earth.

Hanukkah: The sacred protects itself

Watch: IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles in Syria

Soldiers from the Egoz Unit and Sayeret Golani light candles at an IDF base in Syria. Watch.

Watch: IDF soldiers light Hanukkah candles in Syria

Watch:

Mayim Bialik and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

For the third night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is joined by actress Mayim Bialik.

Mayim Bialik and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

Final Hanukkah message

Biden: Hold on to hope, keep the faith

US President publishes his final Hanukkah message as President on X.

Biden: Hold on to hope, keep the faith

Watch:

Harel Sharvit, killed in battle, marked Hanukkah 2023 in Gaza

Exactly one year ago, Harel Sharvit celebrated Hanukkah 2023 in Gaza, singing 'Al Hanissim' beside the holiday lights. Watch.

Harel Sharvit, killed in battle, marked Hanukkah 2023 in Gaza

Two injured after Hanukkah menorah ignites blaze

Fire breaks out in children's room due to Hanukkah menorah, father and daughter lightly injured due to smoke inhalation.

Two injured after Hanukkah menorah ignites blaze

Watch:

Mila Kunis and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

On the second night of Hanukkah, Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby is joined by Jewish actress Mila Kunis for the candle lighting. Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, reveals that it was not until she moved to the US and started a family that she began to reconnect with Judaism.

Mila Kunis and Noa Tishby light Hanukkah candles

Chief Rabbi's guidelines for soldiers lighting Hanukkah candles

Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef publishes guidelines for soldiers in the field and travelers for the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.

Chief Rabbi's guidelines for soldiers lighting Hanukkah candles

From Mt. Hermon to Gaza

Watch: IDF soldiers light the menorah

IDF forces continue to operate on all fronts, but for eight days, they stop what they are doing for a moment to light the Hanukkah candles.

Watch: IDF soldiers light the menorah

Celebration of Light, Art, and Hope

Israeli Ambassador to Japan hosts Hanukkah event

The event drew a distinguished gathering of guests, including senior members of the Japanese Parliament, community leaders, prominent business figures, and cultural icons.

Israeli Ambassador to Japan hosts Hanukkah event

Rare photos: Hanukkah menorahs in the heart of Tehran

Hanukkah menorahs in the heart of Tehran, and children wearing candle-shaped crowns in Morocco – Alliance Kol Yisrael Chaverim presents historical photographs from Hanukkah celebrations during times when these communities flourished.

Rare photos: Hanukkah menorahs in the heart of Tehran

25,000 balloons:

Largest Hanukkah menorah in the world stands in Israeli hospital

The largest Hanukkah menorah in the world stands in Schneider Children's Medical Center and was constructed by a team of 100 volunteers and a rappelling crew.

Largest Hanukkah menorah in the world stands in Israeli hospital

PUBLICIZING A MIRACLE:

Hanukkah in Soviet prisons

Eight Jews stood in the Soviet Union's courtroom and declared their loyalty to the Jewish People, and to our past, present, and future. And it happened on Hanukkah.

Hanukkah in Soviet prisons

Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount for Hanukkah

The Minister of National Security visited the Temple Mount and prayed for victory, the welfare of Israeli soldiers, and the return of the hostages.

Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount for Hanukkah

VP Harris on Hanukkah:

'Even in darkness, we can find the light'

US Vice President posts video of her and her husband, Doug Emhoff, lighting Hanukkah candles: May the next eight nights of reflection bring you hope, joy, and love. Happy Hanukkah.

'Even in darkness, we can find the light'

Freed hostage in Washington:

'We need them to stop suffering underneath the ground in Gaza'

Aviva Siegel, who was freed from captivity and whose husband Keith remains in Hamas captivity, speaks at National Menorah Lighting: I was a hostage in Gaza. I felt it, I saw it. We need to bring them home now!

'We need them to stop suffering underneath the ground in Gaza'

Biden on Hanukkah:

'May the light shine from menorahs around the world'

Biden posts Hanukkah greetings to the Jewish community: Hanukkah is a timeless story of miracles. Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a happy Hanukkah!

'May the light shine from menorahs around the world'

Ukraine:

Zelenskyy lights Hanukkah candles in presidential bunker

At Zelenskyy's request, the ceremony featured an ornate menorah he received from Argentine President Javier Milei during his inauguration.

Zelenskyy lights Hanukkah candles in presidential bunker

Watch:

Gwyneth Paltrow joins Noa Tishby to light the menorah

Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow joined Tishby to light a menorah and share personal stories about their Jewish heritage, reflecting on the meaning of the Festival of Lights.

Gwyneth Paltrow joins Noa Tishby to light the menorah

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

'The Houthis will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah learned'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the first Hanukkah candle with Orna and Ronen Neutra, the parents of Capt. Omer Neutra who fell on October 7 and whose body was taken hostage by Hamas.

'The Houthis will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah learned'

Moving:

Haredi Border Police officers light the menorah

A festive candle-lighting ceremony was held for the first haredi Border Police officers who were drafted a few months ago.

Haredi Border Police officers light the menorah

President Herzog:

'We must act with all our might to secure a hostage deal'

President Isaac Herzog lit Hanukkah candles with injured veterans and IDF soldiers and called on the government to finalize a hostage deal: 'This is your duty. This is your responsibility. You have my full support!'

'We must act with all our might to secure a hostage deal'

Wounded soldier lights Hanukkah candle with Dr who saved his life

At Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, Noam Levy lit a Hanukkah candle in the nursery alongside the doctor who treated him in the field.

Wounded soldier lights Hanukkah candle with Dr who saved his life

Hanukkah - When the New Morality is just the Old Immorality

Just like our ancestors, the mighty Maccabees, armed with a Torah in one hand and an Iron Dome missile interception battery in the other, the Israeli people are defending the only true morality. Op-ed.

Hanukkah - When the New Morality is just the Old Immorality

Hanukkah this year has a very special meaning

Of course, Aliyah is the only answer, but while the Rabbis I met are aware of the instability of continued Diaspora existence, in my opinion, a lingering spirit of denial prevents them from seeing how immediate the danger is.

Hanukkah this year has a very special meaning

-15 Celcius:

Massive chanukiyot built in freezing Russia

In preparation for the lighting of the first candle of Hanukah, Jews in Tyumen in Siberia, and Samara in Russia build large and spectacular chanukiyot from ice.

Massive chanukiyot built in freezing Russia

Rabbi Sacks resources for Hanukkah

"The Jewish People kept hope alive and hope kept the Jewish People alive." What words can better uplift the Jewish People today?

Rabbi Sacks resources for Hanukkah

First night of Hanukkah: One candle or eight?

The famous dispute between the Sages is another instance where Hillel's school of thought sees the world as it is, Shammai's sees the world as it should ideally be. In today’s imperfect world, we follow Hillel’s rulings.

First night of Hanukkah:  One candle or eight?

Jewish Agency to light world’s largest digital Menorah

From Kiryat Shmona to Melbourne, from Sderot to Washington, from Jerusalem to Paris, anyone can light a virtual candle that will be projected on Israel’s National Institutions building.

Jewish Agency to light world’s largest digital Menorah

Hamas has Hanukkah in Jerusalem in its sights

A senior Hamas official is calling on the Muslim public to come to the al-Aqsa Mosque and sacrifice themselves for it.

Hamas has Hanukkah in Jerusalem in its sights

The Jewish heart is beating stronger than ever

No, we have not betrayed our mission: Yehudah, Tamar and a Hanukkah Drama.

The Jewish heart is beating stronger than ever

Mayor Adams at Hanukkah party: 'I'm a modern-day Maccabee'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers at his residence for a pre-Hanukkah celebration that featured kosher food and celebrity guests.

Mayor Adams at Hanukkah party: 'I'm a modern-day Maccabee'