Hanukkah in 2025 is celebrated from December 17 to 25. It is a Jewish holiday of light and miracle.

The Light of Hanukkah: A Story Rekindled Every Year

In Israel, December smells of rain, hot sufganiyot, and the anticipation of light. From December 14 to 22, 2025, the streets will once again sparkle with the lights of the hanukkiah — and every home will become a small beacon, reminding of the miracle that the Jewish people have cherished for over two thousand years.

Hanukkah is not only a historical holiday but also an emotional point of presence: a moment when families gather by the window and let the world see their light.

From the Maccabees to Today: How the Miracle Became a Symbol

The roots of the story go back to 164 BCE, when Judah Maccabee and his warriors reclaimed Jerusalem, freeing the Temple from the Greek king Antiochus IV. In the chaos of destruction, a single jug of pure oil was found — enough for one day, no more.
But the flame burned for eight days.
And today, this light symbolizes faith in the impossible, the strength of the community, and the ability to endure, even when it seems that resources are depleted.

The Hanukkiah as the Heart of the Home

The name “Hanukkah” translates to “dedication.” The main tradition is to light the hanukkiah, adding one candle each day. The ninth candle, the shamash, is like an older brother who helps light the others.

In Israel, hanukkiahs are placed so they can be seen from the street: it’s not about demonstration, but about the idea — the light must be visible. Light is a stance.

Home, Songs, and Small Joys

During these days, “Hallel” is heard in synagogues, and at home — Hanukkah songs, conversations late into the night, the aroma of fried potatoes, and children’s laughter.
The dreidel — a spinning top with four letters — remains an unchanged symbol of the holiday. In the diaspora, it says “A great miracle happened there,” and in Israel — “A great miracle happened here.”

This “here” reminds every year: a miracle can happen in your home too.

A Taste That Cannot Be Confused

Hanukkah smells of oil — and there is meaning in this. Potato latkes, sufganiyot with jam or cream, everything fried — it’s a warm gastronomic metaphor for that very jug.
A glass of wine on the table is not forbidden, but something else is more important here: family, tradition, the feeling of living light.

When Candles Become a Time of Hope

Hanukkah is about choosing light over darkness.
About how even a small flame can dispel a huge shadow.
About faith that is passed down through generations — from ancient Jerusalem to today’s windowsills in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva.

These are eight days when Israeli evenings become warmer than the weather, and light is not just a symbol, but a state of mind.

NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency