Hanukkah Candle-Lighting Ceremony

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Gary Sankary / Unsplash

Residents and visitors in Tartu are invited to the public candle-lighting ceremony of the menorah on 21 December at 15:00 in front of the Atlantis building. This ceremony is intended to demonstrate unity, and peace, for all members of our society.

Hanukkah is the Hebrew name for the Jewish Festival of Lights. Celebrated every December, this holiday tradition symbolises the victory of light over darkness, as well as the triumph of purity, honesty, and above all: hope. Hope for a better future, hope for unity, hope for all.

The story behind Hanukkah dates back to the Talmud. When the Temple had been cleansed by Judas Maccabeus, only one small jar of holy oil was found, enough to light a lamp for one day. However, a miracle happened, and the oil lasted for eight days. This is why there are eight candles on the menorah, and one candle is lit each day in remembrance of this miracle.

Attending this event is free, and is encouraged by the organisers, who want to promote tolerance, as well as mutual respect and understanding during these tense times.

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Events In Tartu Hanukkah holidays Jewish culture peace tolerance unity