Hanukkah in London
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that dates back almost 2,500 years.
Held from the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev (sundown on 20 December in 2011), Hanukkah is marked by lighting a candle in the menorah (a special candelabra) for each night of the festival.
Hanukkah in Trafalgar Square
Last year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson was joined by senior Jewish figures as the final light was lit on a giant menorah in Trafalgar Square.
Check back nearer the time for details of 2011 Hanukkah events.
The History of Hanukkah
The origins of Hanukkah, sometimes known as Chanukah or Chanukkah, lie in an uprising against a successor of Alexander the Great around 2,400 years ago.
The revolt was successful, but the Jewish Temple was destroyed in the battle. When the Jews came rededicate their Temple, they found there was only enough sanctified oil to light it for one day.
Miraculously, the oil stayed alight for eight days. And this is why Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that's also known as the "festival of lights".
|
