Hanukkah (Day 5) in Israel

History and Significance: 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 second century BCE. This occurred after the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, successfully revolted against the Seleucid Empire and its imposition of Hellenistic practices. The holiday is rooted in the miracle that a small amount of oil, enough to last for only one day, miraculously burned for eight days in the temple's menorah.

Traditions:

• Lighting the Menorah: On each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit on a special candelabrum called a menorah or hanukkiah. By Day 5, five candles are lit—four for each night that has passed and the shamash (the helper candle used to light the others).
• Prayers: Special prayers are recited during this time; particularly "Hallel" (praises) is included in daily morning prayers, and an additional prayer called "Al HaNissim" (On the Miracles) is added to daily prayers and grace after meals.
• Playing Dreidel: A popular game involving spinning a four-sided top called a dreidel. Each side bears a Hebrew letter representing the phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" ("A great miracle happened there").
• Eating Fried Foods: To commemorate the miracle of oil, it's traditional to eat foods fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).

Activities on Day 5:

• Continuation of lighting menorahs at homes and public spaces.
• Families often host or attend Hanukkah parties.
• Gift-giving may occur; though not traditionally part of Hanukkah, it has become more common.
• Public events may include concerts or community gatherings.

Throughout Israel on Day 5 of Hanukkah, life continues with added festive spirit as people engage in traditional practices while embracing modern celebrations with family and community events.