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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 second century BCE. It celebrates the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid Empire and the miracle of the Temple's menorah burning for eight days despite having only enough consecrated oil for one day.
Day 7 Practices: On the seventh day of Hanukkah, families and communities in Israel continue to observe time-honored traditions. These include:
Lighting Menorah: The central ritual involves lighting seven candles on the menorah (or hanukkiyah) after sundown, adding one candle each night. The menorah is placed in windows or areas visible to passersby to publicize the miracle.
Prayers: Special prayers are recited during candle lighting; these include 'Haneirot Halalu' and 'Maoz Tzur.' Additionally, extra passages called 'Al HaNissim' are included in daily prayers and grace after meals.
Dreidel Games: People play with a spinning top called a dreidel (sevivon), which has four Hebrew letters inscribed on it. These letters form an acronym for "A great miracle happened there."
Foods: Traditional foods fried in oil, such as sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes), are enjoyed to remember the miracle of oil.
Charitable Acts: Giving to charity (tzedakah) is encouraged during Hanukkah as a way to spread light and kindness.
Events & Entertainment: Public events may include concerts, public menorah lightings, and parties. Families also gather for intimate home celebrations.
On this penultimate night of Hanukkah, there's an emphasis on joyous celebration and reflection on themes of freedom and miracles before culminating into the final eighth day.
