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From December 25 to January 2, Jewish people in Bulgaria and around the world will light Hanukkah candles

Hannukah celebration in the central Sofia synagogue
Photo: BGNES

At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December. 

By lighting 9 candles or ritual oil in the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, Jews commemorate the miracle of the second consecration of the Temple, when the myrrh burned for 9 days without being topped up. 


The rededication of the Temple took place during the Maccabean revolt in 166 BC, when the Jews were freed from the rule of the Seleucids. 

Like Christmas, Hanukkah is a family holiday, children receive gifts and treats for 8 days, and adults eat mainly dishes cooked with meat and oil.

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Radio Bulgaria History and religion    Hannukah hannukiah Jewish holiday Jews Maccabean revolt menorah

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