Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

From December 25 to January 2, Jews will light Hanukkah candles

Hannukah celebration in the central Sofia synagogue
Photo: BGNES

At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December. 

By lighting 9 candles or ritual oil in the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, Jews commemorate the miracle of the second consecration of the Temple, when the myrrh burned for 9 days without being topped up. 


The rededication of the Temple took place during the Maccabean revolt in 166 BC, when the Jews were freed from the rule of the Seleucids. 

Like Christmas, Hanukkah is a family holiday, children receive gifts and treats for 8 days, and adults eat mainly dishes cooked with meat and oil.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv marks 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev

The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv , Israel, today commemorates the 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev, a righteous man of the nations of the world, deputy chairman of the 25th National Assembly of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/20/24 2:21 PM
The Captain's Memorial

The Bulgarian Land Forces celebrate their holiday

The Bulgarian Land Forces are celebrating their holiday today. A statement from the Ministry of Defense's press center notes that November 19, 2024 marks 139 years since the glorious victory at Slivnitsa and 146 years since the establishment of..

published on 11/19/24 9:17 AM

"Ten Great Friends of Bulgaria" tells about foreigners who left their mark on Bulgarian history

The book "Ten Great Friends of Bulgaria" by journalist Milena Dimitrova will be presented this evening at 6pm at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library in Sofia. The book recounts the lives of ten people of different nationalities and eras, whose..

published on 11/19/24 8:40 AM