President Viktor Yanukovych greeted Jews of Ukraine on occasion of the feast of Hanukkah which began yesterday, in the evening.
President Viktor Yanukovych greeted Jews of Ukraine on occasion of the feast of Hanukkah which began yesterday, in the evening.
“Dear fellow-countrymen! I sincerely greet you on the feast of Hanukkah. The fundamental meaning of the ancient event associated with the tradition of the celebration of the Hanukkah days is a manifestation of the life-giving sources of faith in the victory and revival,” reads the address published by the presidential web site.
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights and joy, is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
The only religious observance related to the holiday is the lighting of candles in honour of the miracle which took place in the Jerusalem Temple after the Macabees Rebellion in the 2nd c. B.C. The candles are arranged in a candelabrum called a menorah (or sometimes called a hanukiah) that holds nine candles
Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Holy Scripture but is a historic feast traditionally observed by the Jews.