Hanukkah (Day 3) in Israel ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Hanukkah (Day 3) in Israel and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular Jewish holidays. It is celebrated for eight nights and days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev on the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE, and the subsequent rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In Israel, the first day of Hanukkah is a national holiday. Schools and businesses are closed, and many people take the day off from work. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and the lighting of Hanukkah candles. Gifts are often given, and Hanukkah songs are sung.
One of the most popular Hanukkah traditions in Israel is the game of dreidel. Dreidel is a spinning top with four sides, each of which has a different Hebrew letter. The letters stand for the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” which means “A great miracle happened there.” Players spin the dreidel and whichever letter it lands on dictates their next move. The game is usually played with coins or chocolate gelt (gold-foil wrapped chocolate coins).
Other popular Hanukkah traditions in Israel include eating fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts); and giving tzedakah (charity).
Hanukkah is a joyous holiday that is celebrated by Jews all over the world. In Israel, the celebration of Hanukkah is especially festive, and includes many traditional foods, games, and activities.