Readers in Jerusalem celebrate traditional Hanukkah

Saugeen Times’ readers, Eli and Dalia Maor, in Jerusalem have sent two of their favourite photos that began Hanukkah.

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukka, hwhich means “dedication” in Hebrew, commemorates the re-dedication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend, Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

It is often called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah where Jews light one candle each evening on a nine-branched menorah. The ninth candle – the shamash, (“helper” or “attendant”) – is used to light the other eight.

The lit menorahs are displayed prominently, often in windows.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and, this year, coincides with Christmas from December 22nd to December 30th.  it is a celebration the includes traditional foods, such as potato pancakes (known as latkes) and, particularly, popular jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot), and games and gifts.

According to the Maors, one of the first things to do is visit the local market for decadently delectable treats.

Dalia Maor at the market where jam-filled doughnuts are a                                                 MUST