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History and Traditions: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (2nd century BCE). The central miracle associated with Hanukkah is that of the oil that lasted eight days when there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep the menorah's candles burning for a single day.
Day 4 Observances: On the fourth day of Hanukkah, families and communities in Israel continue to celebrate with several traditions:
Menorah Lighting: On the fourth night, four candles are lit on the menorah after nightfall (plus the shamash – helper candle), from right to left. Blessings are recited during this lighting ceremony.
Dreidel Game: The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters, is played. Each letter represents a different action relating to a pot of chocolate coins (gelt) or other tokens.
Food: Traditional foods fried in oil are consumed to symbolize the miracle of oil. This includes sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes).
Charity: Giving to those in need (Tzedakah) is emphasized during Hanukkah.
Public Celebrations: In Israel, public menorah lightings take place and people gather to celebrate with music and dancing.
Family Time: Families spend time together, exchange gifts on some nights, and share stories related to Hanukkah's history.
These traditions are part of a larger celebration that extends across all eight days of Hanukkah.
