Hanukkah prayers commenced, the first candles were lit, and the dreidels started spinning around sundown on Wednesday evening to commemorate the beginning of the Jewish festival of lights. The celebration will continue for eight nights as an affirming holiday observed wherever Jews reside.
The holiday is deeply rooted in Jewish history, dating back to 164 B.C.E. when a small militia of Jews known as the Maccabees won a battle against the dominant Syrian-Greek military. After being driven out of parts of the land now called Israel, the Jews reclaimed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which had been ransacked. With only a small amount of oil available to light the lamps, tradition holds that the oil miraculously burned for eight days, symbolizing the Jews' enduring relationship with God while they rebuilt their lives.
This year, Hanukkah began on the same night as Christmas. Many households celebrate both holidays, leading some to playfully refer to Wednesday as “Chrismukkah.” For the second consecutive year, the holiday also coincides with a challenging time as Israel remains at war.
During Hanukkah, Jews around the world light candles for eight consecutive nights. They engage in prayers, play games, sing, exchange gifts, and spend time with family to commemorate the miracle that sustained their faith centuries ago.
Photographers captured the crowds that gathered for menorah lightings in cities such as Paris and New York. One image depicted a moment when a soldier in Israel had a brief respite, while others showcased people rejoicing in their enduring faith.