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The Conversation USA

Hanukkah celebrates both an ancient military victory and a miracle of light – modern Jews can pick from either tradition

  • Written by Joshua Shanes, Emanuel Ringelblum Professor in Jewish History, University of California, Davis
imageThe main ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah.skynesher/ E+ via Getty Images

Friends and family will come together to celebrate, share gifts and eat traditional foods as the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah begins on Dec. 14, 2025.

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the center of ancient...

Read more: Hanukkah celebrates both an ancient military victory and a miracle of light – modern Jews can pick...

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