Netanyahu Lights Chanukah Menorah, Honors Modern Maccabees

On the first night of Chanukah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the menorah in Jerusalem, honoring both the ancient Maccabees and the modern heroes defending Israel today. The event, held with members of the Prime Minister’s Office, included the parents of fallen IDF soldier Omer Neutra, who was killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Ancient Oil Lamp with Temple Symbols Unearthed in Jerusalem

A rare ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols of the Jewish Temple, including a menorah, incense shovel, and lulav, has been discovered during an Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) excavation near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Dating back to the Late Roman period, this remarkable find provides a rare glimpse into Jewish cultural and religious life around 1,700 years ago.

Did You Know?

"Did you know that the dreidel, the iconic spinning top of Hanukkah, has historical roots beyond just being a fun game? During the time of the Maccabees, studying the Torah was outlawed by the ruling Greek authorities. To keep their traditions alive, Jewish children would gather in secret to study, keeping a dreidel nearby. If soldiers approached, they would quickly hide their scrolls and start spinning the dreidel, pretending to play a harmless game. Today, the letters on the dreidel—Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin—stand for "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" ("A great miracle happened there"), reminding families not only of the miracle of the oil but also of the resilience and cleverness of those who kept their faith alive."

Biden Lights White House Menorah to Mark Hanukkah

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday by lighting the "White House Menorah," a symbol of Jewish resilience and American history. Crafted from wood taken from the White House foundation, the menorah was introduced by the Bidens in 2021. “Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation,” President Biden shared on X (formerly Twitter). “As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America. Like this menorah, it’s permanent.”

Chabad Brings Hanukkah Joy to Those Without Menorahs

This Hanukkah, Chabad has found a way to share the holiday’s light with those unable to light their own menorahs. A new 40-minute video program, 8 Nights, Lights, & Insights, brings the warmth and joy of Hanukkah to hospitals, nursing homes, and other spaces where traditional candle lighting isn’t possible. Produced by Merkos 302’s Chabad on Call, the initiative aims to ensure that the holiday’s spirit shines brightly in every setting.

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