Hanukkah (Second Day) is a significant holiday for the Jewish community in Israel. It begins at the sunset of Kislev 25, as per the Hebrew calendar and lasts for eight days, often falling in late November or December as per the Gregorian calendar. Also known as Chanukah, it commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, marking a significant historical event where a small quantity of oil illuminated the temple for eight days, although it was only enough for one day.
On the second day of Hanukkah, the celebration continues with religious and traditional activities. Families and friends gather to light the second candle of the Menorah, a special nine-branched candelabrum. This candle lighting event is usually accompanied by blessings and hymns sung by the gathered crowd. Also, the legend of Hanukkah is often retold, inculcating the sense of history, faith, and the miracle of Hanukkah in the younger generation.
Apart from the religious customs on Hanukkah’s second day, there are also local traditions and cultural activities. One of the most prevalent practices is playing a game with a spinning top called a dreidel. Children also receive gifts, especially 'gelt', which are chocolate coins. Foods fried in oil like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) are eaten to symbolize the miracle of the oil in the temple. Each night of Hanukkah, including the second, thus echoes with the celebration of Jewish history, faith, and community.