Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, starts at sundown on Dec 14, which is the 25th of Kislev.

The miracle of Hanukkah took place during the rededication of the Second Temple when there was only enough oil to light the temple for one day, but it burned for 8 days.

Since 2023, after October 7 took place, Hanukkah was filled with fear, doubt, and pain. Families lit menorahs for hope that one day they would see their loved ones again. Not knowing their whereabouts and overall health status, Hanukkah was anything but celebratory.

Fast forward to 2025, now that all hostages have been released, Hanukkah 2025 will be filled with renewing hope for peace, relief, and gratitude. Celebrating this holiday will mean more to families of hostages than it ever has before, and will be celebrated with tremendous blessings.

While we will all be celebrating the return of Israeli hostages, we will also be lighting the menorah for those hostages who were killed or did not return to their families. They will never be forgotten.