Readers in Jerusalem are again celebrating Hanukkah (Chanukkah), the eight-day Jewish celebration that means “dedication” in Hebrew and that began yesterday, December 14th.
It is often called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated with one candle being lit each evening on a nine-branched menorah. The ninth candle – the shamash, (“helper” or “attendant”) – is used to light the other eight.
The lit menorahs are displayed prominently, often in windows.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and is a celebration that includes traditional foods, such as potato pancakes (known as latkes) and, particularly, popular jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot), and games and gifts and one of the first things to do is visit the local market for decadently delectable treats.
