Zelensky lights Hanukkah candles with rabbis of Ukraine
25 December 2024 23:22
VIDEO
On Wednesday, December 25, Volodymyr Zelenskyy lit Hanukkah candles together with the rabbis of Ukraine. Zelensky announced this on social media, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
It should be noted that today, December 25, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah will begin at sunset, which this year will last until Thursday evening, January 2.
“Today is both Christmas and the beginning of Hanukkah. It is very good that in Ukraine we can celebrate such holidays with respect for each other, communicate, live together and wish different people the same victory – the victory of light over darkness,” Zelensky said.
The President lit Hanukkah candles together with the rabbis of Ukraine.
“It was this Hanukkah menorah that was presented by Argentine President Javier Milei during his inauguration last December,” he said.
Zelenskyy congratulated the Jewish community on the holiday. He wished all families peace, joy, and generous fortune.
“Let Hanukkah burn in every home, give strength and fill with new hopes, strengthen faith through truth and justice,” the president said.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BC.
This year, Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights and Miracles, will be celebrated from December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025.
Hanukkah is celebrated over eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar, which can occur anytime from the end of November to the end of December in the Gregorian calendar.
Hanukkah has gained great cultural significance among secular Jews, as it often occurs around the same time as Christmas.
On Hanukkah, it is customary to have a festive meal with relatives and friends. Children are given gifts, and there is also a custom to help those in need. Potato latkes, sufganiyot donuts, and various dairy dishes are served on the table.
In those days, certain prohibitions and restrictions were observed on this day. For example, it was forbidden to mourn the dead on Hanukkah. The holiday should be dedicated to living relatives and friends.
No dieting or fasting was allowed during Hanukkah.
