ILH Staff – www.israelhayom.com

How US Jewry is helping Israel build a nationwide response to war trauma

omrif — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:00:31 +0000

It is commonly believed that Israel is better equipped than other countries to cope with bereavement and loss. Seventy-seven years of struggle for survival and immense sacrifice fostered the perception that the Israeli public is more resilient to trauma. The Oct. 7 massacre and the war that followed shattered that belief in an instant.

As of September 2025, more than 20,000 wounded from the war have been absorbed by the Israeli Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department. More than half of them, 56%, are coping with mental health injuries. The total number of wounded treated by the department from all of Israel's wars has reached a record 81,700, including about 31,000 dealing with mental health conditions and post-trauma. An additional 20,000 wounded are expected to be added over the coming year.

"It is important to understand that not every mental disorder is PTSD, which describes an ongoing and highly turbulent condition," said Professor Amitai Ziv, director of the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's integrated rehabilitation center in Philadelphia and founder and director of MSR, the Israel Center for Medical Simulation.

"Most people experiencing mental distress need targeted help that allows them to recover, and move on with their lives. The problem is that even today, despite significant progress, there are still people who avoid treatment and slip into isolation and social withdrawal out of shame. There is not enough reaching out for help, not enough calls to hotlines."

Just one month after the war began, Sheba Medical Center partnered with the UJA-Federation of New York on a nationwide project to establish therapeutic clinics. "We realized that the mind-body world can include tools that, until now, were not part of the mainstream: yoga therapy, movement therapy, alongside psychological treatments and medication as needed," Ziv said.

"The federation's support allowed us to train hundreds of therapists so we could pinpoint the precise treatment to every need. Some people need conversation, some need movement therapy, some need couples' therapy. The numbers are enormous, and the need for training was critical for us and for the patients."

The brain has its own timeline

The UJA-Federation of New York, the largest Jewish communal philanthropic organization in the world, has raised about $300 million since the start of the war to support rehabilitation efforts for infrastructure and large segments of Israel's population.

Among other initiatives, the UJA-Federation of New York supported the training of therapists across a wide range of professions and supported reserve soldiers and their families through partnerships with civil society organizations, local authorities and government ministries.

"Israeli society is facing a tsunami of trauma on a scale and intensity we have never known, and the worst is still ahead with the return home of tens of thousands of soldiers," said Itzik Shmuli, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York's Israel office.

Itzik Shmuli. Photo: UJA-Federation of New York

"From the very beginning of the war, we identified the magnitude of the challenge and acted to strengthen the organizations on the front lines of care so they could provide emergency responses to soldiers and their families. At the same time, we are investing in building permanent infrastructure across Israel that will ensure professional and stable care for years to come. That is our commitment as the largest Jewish community in the world, to do everything possible for the recovery of those who went out to defend the home we all share."

One of many such processes is taking place at the Momentum nonprofit, which also works in cooperation with the UJA-Federation of New York. "During war, our brains are wired differently. We switch into survival mode," said Avi Cirt, CEO of Momentum.

"That state causes the brain to focus only on what is immediately necessary to keep going, while many important aspects of daily life fade away. When a reservist finishes service, it takes time for the brain to rewire itself, to understand that it is safe again and to notice things that were pushed aside during survival mode. On average, this process takes about a month, and with close psycho-educational support, people can understand what is happening and move out of that state."

Cirt described a case from processing workshops for combat soldiers, where agonizing feelings emerged due to difficulty seeing the full picture. "A soldier sits with his team and describes distress over his sense that he froze at the critical moment, failed to react when he should have, and because of him others were killed or the operation failed. When he says this in the group, his comrades suddenly explain that it was exactly the opposite, that he was the only one who functioned while others froze. Not only is he not to blame, he is responsible for the fact that they themselves are alive. That is a reality-shifting insight. Suddenly, the enormous burden you carried is let go."

"Back to the Future" journey for recently discharged combat soldiers. Photo: Yair Meyuhas

Treatment that dismantles distress

Alongside the new distress created during the war, it also resurfaced trauma from previous wars and operations that created new waves of trauma among people who did not take part in the current fighting. As a result, many more individuals entered the circle of those in need of support. The Israel Center for Medical Simulation is using advanced technologies, including VR and AI-based platforms, to allow a patient-controlled exposure to difficulty, helping them confront and overcome it over time.

"The foundation of distress and the scale of this event are so vast that they require us to integrate innovation into the treatment," Ziv said.

Prof. Amitai Ziv. Photo: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia

"This is done carefully and with oversight, but also with an open mind, to help both the depth and breadth of society. In this respect, Israel is an impressive country in its resilience. We are carrying out this process with great caution and constant monitoring, but that openness is critical to helping society at large."

At this point, Ziv said, the role of community also comes into focus. "We relied heavily on the federation for funding and training therapists, but its strength also lies in returning to the community and mobilizing municipal and civil sectors. The systems closest to the soldiers know them better than anyone else, know how to respond, raise red flags when necessary and provide support. That is their path to recovery and rehabilitation."

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Missouri man wins $1.8 billion Powerball prize

omrif — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:05:30 +0000

A Missouri resident has claimed half of the second-largest lottery jackpot ever, after coming forward with one of the winning tickets in a nearly $1.8 billion Powerball drawing in the US.

According to the Missouri Lottery, the winner matched all the numbers in the September 6 drawing for a $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot. Two winning tickets were sold, entitling each holder to half the prize. The lottery did not disclose the man's name.

He held one of the two tickets sold that matched all the numbers (illustration). Photo: AP

Describing himself as a homebody, the winner said he plans to take time off and spend it with his wife. "I'm just going to do what's good for me for a year," he said as he arrived at Missouri Lottery headquarters in Jefferson City to claim the prize. "A perfect day is sitting at home and doing what I do, relaxing." Referring to his wife, he joked that "she's going to drag me out of town now."

Each winning ticket holder was given the choice between an annuity of $893.5 million paid over time or a one-time cash payment of $410.3 million, both before taxes. The Missouri winner opted for the lump sum, the lottery said.

He admitted the scale of the win was hard to grasp. "I'm a millionaire, a multimillionaire, and I did laundry last night," he said in disbelief, according to the Missouri Lottery. He also described several sleepless nights after realizing his ticket was a winner, adding, "This is the best problem I've ever had."

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Israel's new Air Force, Navy commanders approved after Oct. 7 probe

adin — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:00:28 +0000

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved on Wednesday the appointments of Colonel Omer Tishler as Israeli Air Force commander and Major General Eyal Harel as Israeli Navy commander.

The decision came after Defense System Comptroller Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Valensky completed a comprehensive investigation at the defense minister's request regarding Col. Tishler in the context of the October 7 events, going beyond the investigations conducted and published to date. This included meetings and interviews with numerous officers, examination of source materials and recordings, and, after reviewing all findings, recommending approval of his appointment.

Major General Eyal Harel (Photo: IDF)

Additionally, following review of the updated report conducted according to the directive of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Israeli Navy activity after publication of the Turgeman report (an internal IDF investigation), the defense system comptroller found no systemic or personal deficiencies related to Eyal Harel that could affect his candidacy for the position of Israeli Navy commander. He recommended approving the appointment, and the defense minister accepted his recommendation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (L), Israeli Air Force commander Tomer Bar (C), and Colonel Omer Tishler (R)

This fulfilled the defense minister's directives given exactly 30 days ago to examine the appointment of senior officers based on completion of investigations and updated reviews regarding the October 7 events before making decisions on the appointments.

The post Israel's new Air Force, Navy commanders approved after Oct. 7 probe appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Why 2026 is the turning point for AI

omrif — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:00:56 +0000

As enterprises look ahead to 2026, senior technology leaders are converging on a clear message: artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to execution. Ann Maya, chief technology officer for EMEA at Boomi, and Steve Lucas, Boomi's chair and CEO, argue that the coming year will mark a decisive shift in how organizations design software, govern data and operationalize AI. From the rise of Software 3.0 and agent-driven automation to growing regulatory demands for explainability and trust, both say enterprises that embed AI into core systems and workflows, rather than treating it as a standalone tool, will be the ones that gain the advantage.

Ann Maya, Boomi CTO for the EMEA region

Prediction 1 - Software 3.0 Moves From Concept to Reality in the Enterprise

Ann Maya

In 2026 we will see the first major shift into an era defined by Software 3.0, where the new coding norm is English and backend capabilities are powered by AI agents. As protocols like MCP, A2A, ACP and ACN gain prominence, enterprises will begin combining software components with far greater ease. This increased simplicity will make secure, robust and adaptable composability a critical architectural priority. For large organisations, AI-driven low-code integration will become the essential foundation that holds these new systems together.

Over the coming year, real ROI will come from businesses that actively redesign their processes, so AI can support the stages where it adds the most value, rather than applying AI reactively or experimentally. Low-code integration platforms will allow organisations to orchestrate governed APIs, trusted business data and rule-based workflows alongside AI agents. This will create a new operational model where AI handles labour-intensive or complex tasks with clear guardrails, while deterministic workflows provide the visibility and control required for enterprise reliability.

As a result, 2026 will be the year enterprises shift from experimenting with AI features to building AI-empowered processes. Organisations that embrace this model will become more adaptive, more efficient and better positioned to innovate as Software 3.0 becomes the norm.

Prediction 2 - 2026: The Year AI Must Become Explainable

In 2026 major AI regulatory frameworks will move from theory to practice, particularly the EU AI Act and the UK's Data Use and Access Act. At the same time, many organisations across EMEA will attempt to shift generative AI pilot projects into production. This convergence will lead to a growing focus on risk assessment, traceability, data quality and the ability to observe how AI operates inside the business.

As expectations rise, organisations will move away from rigid legacy tooling and toward a more dynamic, data-driven approach to governance. This includes live observability across data and APIs, policy enforcement applied at runtime as conditions change, and federated governance that ensures business rules and compliance requirements are consistently applied across different domains. These capabilities create the trusted data foundation that AI agents need to carry out tasks.

Steve Lucas, Chair and CEO, Boomi, Board Member

In 2026, the Winners Will Be the Ones Who Activate AI, Not Just Invest in It

Steve Lucas

It should be crystal clear by now that the world has changed. Three years after the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI ignited a global shift. AI is no longer just a headline, it's a boardroom imperative. Investor confidence remains high with global AI spend projected to surpass $500 billion by 2027, according to IDC. But optimism alone doesn't deliver outcomes. The real challenge in 2026 will be converting the experiments and pilots that businesses have been conducting in 2025 into operational value.

To activate AI, enterprises must go beyond standalone models and embed AI into their core systems, trusted data, and real-world workflows. That's where agentic automation comes in. It's not about deploying AI for novelty's sake. It's about enabling intelligent agents to collaborate, reason, and act with context and control.

In 2026, the companies that pull ahead will be those that shift focus from proof-of-concept to platform strategy, delivering orchestrated, secure, and scalable AI that's built into the fabric of how businesses operate. Those are the businesses that will be embracing – and leading – our new world.

Agentic Automation Will Define the Next Era of Business in 2026

In 2026, competitive advantage won't come from simply automating faster. It will come from orchestrating intelligently. We're entering the era of agentic automation, where AI agents no longer just execute instructions. They collaborate, reason, and adapt in real time to accelerate decision-making and outcomes. According to IDC, 85% of enterprises will have deployed AI agents by the end of 2025, and those that activate them effectively will lead the way in agility, resilience, and innovation. But unlocking this potential requires more than AI alone. It demands a unified foundation where data, applications, and agents work seamlessly and securely together. That's how you turn AI from a tactical tool into a strategic advantage.

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Bondi memorial erupts in boos as Australian PM refuses inquiry

miriw — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:00:37 +0000

Australia marked one week since the Bondi Beach shooting on Saturday, with 15 people killed and dozens wounded. A large memorial vigil was held at Bondi Beach that night, where a minute of silence was observed for the murdered victims and survivors. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was met with boos from parts of the crowd, while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns received loud applause, according to Reuters.

In his remarks, Minns said, "Bondi is beautiful tonight – and not because of its beaches. It is beautiful because you, in your thousands, came back here just seven days after a horrific crime and made it clear to the terrorists that we are not going anywhere. The crime was meant to frighten and scatter, but you have stood against these attempts at intimidation for thousands of years. Tonight, on the last night of Hanukkah, you have returned Bondi Beach to all of us."

The Sydney Opera House is illuminated with candlelights in Sydney on December 21, 2025, as part of a national day of reflection honouring the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack (Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP) AFP

The boos continued even as New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip introduced the political leadership present, including the prime minister, his wife Jodie Haydon, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. This came against the backdrop of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's refusal to establish a Royal Commission (a high-level government inquiry with broad investigative powers) to investigate the deadly shooting. Instead, the Australian prime minister chose to establish a more limited inquiry led by the Prime Minister's Office and the the Cabinet Office, which has sparked fury among the Jewish community.

The Australian government and the government of New South Wales state, where Sydney is located, declared today a "National Day of Reflection" following the massacre, which was the deadliest mass shooting in the country in 30 years.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced that police presence would be increased in the area, and that heavily armed officers would patrol the beach and its surroundings as part of Operation Shelter. He said this was not an elevation of the security alert level, but rather a step designed to ensure public safety and public confidence. Lanyon emphasized that police were aware of the depth of the trauma caused by the tragedy to Jewish families and the broader community, and that its purpose was to enable the public to gather, honor the memory of the victims, and support each other without fear. Indeed, many police officers were observed, and snipers from security forces were even seen on rooftops near the location.

People mourn near floral tributes placed for victims and survivors of a deadly mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, in Sydney, Australia, December 21, 2025 (Photo: Reuters/Eloisa Lopez) REUTERS

Additional tension was recorded at the emotional event after a pro-Palestinian activist was removed from the location with police escort. The man, who wore a keffiyeh, arrived at the memorial vigil area where he encountered condemnation from mourners who said, "Why are you here?" and "You are not welcome here." New South Wales police officers approached him and spoke with him. According to reports, the man was heard asking the officers, "Why must I remove this?" and added, "I came on a day of reflection to reflect." Police confirmed that they ordered him to leave the area, and that he ultimately complied.

The Bondi Beach attack occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. last Sunday, when Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, opened fire during the first night of Hanukkah celebrations. At least 15 people were killed in the attack, and approximately 40 others were wounded. Among the victims was 10-year-old Matilda, who was laid to rest this week. The father was shot and killed at the scene, while the son was arrested and charged with an indictment containing 59 counts, including 15 counts of murder.

Authorities said that if convicted, Naveed Akram faces imprisonment in Australia's most secure prison. Before being transferred to the Supermax facility, he will be moved from the hospital to the Silverwater Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (a holding facility for newly arrested prisoners), which serves as the first mandatory station in New South Wales' incarceration system. During this period, he will be held in strict isolation until his security classification is determined. Given the severity of the acts attributed to him, he may be classified as an Extreme High Risk Restricted (EHRR) prisoner or as a National Security Interest (NSI) detainee.

The New South Wales Corrective Services has previously made clear that the Supermax prison is the only facility in the state designed to incarcerate "the most dangerous of the dangerous." The prison, designed as a modern fortress, includes reinforced steel doors, corridors with advanced isolation mechanisms, and outdoor areas enclosed with exceptionally strong steel mesh. Since its establishment, no escape has been recorded, and all its zones are under constant surveillance.

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Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know

ErezL — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:12 +0000

Hanukkah 2025 will begin on the evening of Sunday, December 14, 2025 (the 25th of Kislev, 5786 [December 14]), and will conclude at the end of Monday, December 22, 2025 (the 2nd of Tevet, 5786 [December 22]). During the eight days of the holiday, candles are lit each evening to commemorate the miracle of the oil flask and the Maccabees' victory over the Greeks.

When are Hanukkah candles lit? Lighting times vary by stream within Judaism. Ashkenazi Jews customarily light at sunset, so the light will be visible when day transitions to night. Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews typically light at nightfall, usually 12 to 15 minutes after sunset.

Blessings for lighting Hanukkah candles: On the first night, three blessings are recited: "to kindle the Hanukkah light," "who performed miracles," and "who has kept us alive." On the remaining days of the holiday, only the first two blessings are recited.

Hanukkah candle lighting times 2025

Day of Lighting	Gregorian Date	Number of Candles	Lighting Time
First candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 14, 2025	One candle + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Second candle of Hanukkah	Monday, December 15, 2025	2 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Third candle of Hanukkah	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	3 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Fourth candle of Hanukkah	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	4 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends
Fifth candle of Hanukkah	Thursday, December 18, 2025	5 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)
Sixth candle of Hanukkah	Friday, December 19, 2025	6 candles + shamash	Before Shabbat begins.
Seventh candle of Hanukkah	Saturday, December 20, 2025	7 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends.
Eighth (final) candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 21, 2025	8 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)

When are Hanukkah candles lit on Friday evening? On Friday evening, Hanukkah candles must be lit before Shabbat begins. On Saturday night, one waits for the Havdalah service to conclude before lighting.

Order of lighting Hanukkah candles Most people follow the method of the Shulchan Aruch, the Rama, and the Arizal. On the first night, the rightmost candle is lit. On the second night, a new candle is added to the left of the first candle and is lit first.

This pattern continues throughout the holiday: each night, one candle is added to the left of the previous one, and the new candle is always lit first.

This method is based on the principle of "ma'alin bakodesh ve'ein moridin" ("ascending in holiness and not descending"), so the new candle is lit first as a sign of adding light and holiness each evening.

What are the main Hanukkah customs?

Lighting candles: Each evening, Hanukkah candles are lit and the menorah is placed in a visible location, usually near a window facing the street. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member lights their own menorah, while Sephardic and Mizrahi families typically have the head of household light for the entire family.

Holiday foods: Hanukkah is associated with foods fried in oil – sufganiyot (jelly donuts) with various fillings and levivot (potato pancakes). In recent years, innovative recipes have driven social media trends. In our food section, you'll find all the hottest trends and recipes to make your holiday special.

Doughnuts for Hanukkah (Photo: Chaim Tzach) Chaim Tzach/

Playing with the sevivon: The sevivon (dreidel) bears the letters nun, gimel, hei, peh – an acronym for "a great miracle happened here." The game stems from a tradition recounting that during the decrees of Antiochus, when the Greeks forbade Torah study, Jewish children hid and studied in secret. The custom today serves as a remembrance of those children's bravery and resourcefulness, and as a way to celebrate the miracle that occurred.

Hanukkah gelt: Distributing coins, real money, or chocolate coins is considered a widespread custom expressing joy and giving.

Reading Hallel: On all days of the holiday, the full Hallel is recited in synagogue as thanksgiving for the miracles performed for the Jewish people.

Why do we eat sufganiyot on Hanukkah? The accepted explanation relates to the miracle of the oil flask. In other words, Hanukkah and oil went well together for our ancestors, and thus sufganiyot and levivot joined Jewish tradition, or as a wise Jew once said, "The Jewish principle is: We were in mortal danger, we survived, let's eat."

In the Mishnah (earliest codification of Jewish oral law) (Challah 1:4), a food called sufganin is mentioned: "The sufganin and the duvshanin [...] are exempt from challah (portion of dough given to priests)," it states. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura explained that this refers to "bread whose dough is soft and made like a sponge." In the year 5657 [1897], David Yellin wrote that sufganiyot were called this because they are soft and spongy, and from them the singular form – sufganiyah – was derived.

Hanukkah 2025 – Frequently asked questions

Do people work as usual during Hanukkah? Yes. There is no prohibition of work on Hanukkah, except for the custom among some women not to perform certain tasks while the candles are burning.

Can children light a menorah? Yes. According to the law of education, children are permitted to light. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member even lights their own candles.

Where should the menorah be placed? It is preferable to place the menorah in a location visible from outside – usually on a windowsill facing the street, to publicize the miracle.

How many candles are lit in total during Hanukkah? During the eight days of Hanukkah, 36 candles of the mitzvah are lit (not counting the shamash): on the first night one candle, on the second two – until reaching eight on the eighth night (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8 = 36). If one also counts the shamash, which is added each night for using the light, a total of 44 candles are lit throughout the holiday: 36 mitzvah candles plus 8 shamash candles (one for each night).

What is the difference between a menorah and the Temple candelabrum? The original candelabrum in the Temple had only seven branches. The menorah used on Hanukkah includes eight branches for lighting plus one additional branch for the shamash.

Is it permitted to relight if the candles went out? If the candles went out after the minimum time has passed (half an hour from nightfall) – there is no obligation to relight. If they went out before then, one should relight without a blessing.

Does one need to remain near the menorah while the candles are burning? There is no obligation to stand near the menorah, but there is an obligation for the candles to be in a safe place, without fear of fire or extinguishing.

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Statue of Liberty replica topples in Brazil windstorm

adin — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:00:58 +0000

A 79-foot replica of the famous Statue of Liberty collapsed following winds exceeding 90 km/h (56 mph) in the city of Guaiba in southern Brazil. The statue stood at the entrance to a branch of a retail chain that had made it its signature landmark. There were no casualties.

Diretamente da Havan de Porto Alegre O FIM DO IMPERIALISMO NORTE AMERICANO pic.twitter.com/0xqWiFgpjz

— Váztnc (@iguanas89) December 15, 2025

According to local media, emergency services in Rio Grande do Sul state issued a severe warning due to forecasts of a storm with winds exceeding 90 km/h (56 mph), sent directly to residents' mobile phones. The storm caused additional damage throughout the state, including uprooted trees, flooding, and wind damage in several cities.

The Havan chain stated in an announcement that the statue was erected when the branch opened in 2020 and met all required standards. The company added that teams began clearing the debris, and a technical inspection will examine the circumstances of the collapse.

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Third night of Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know

ErezL — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 22:59:10 +0000

Hanukkah candle lighting times 2025

Day of Lighting	Gregorian Date	Number of Candles	Lighting Time
First candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 14, 2025	One candle + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Second candle of Hanukkah	Monday, December 15, 2025	2 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Third candle of Hanukkah	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	3 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Fourth candle of Hanukkah	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	4 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends
Fifth candle of Hanukkah	Thursday, December 18, 2025	5 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)
Sixth candle of Hanukkah	Friday, December 19, 2025	6 candles + shamash	Before Shabbat begins.
Seventh candle of Hanukkah	Saturday, December 20, 2025	7 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends.
Eighth (final) candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 21, 2025	8 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)

This pattern continues throughout the holiday: each night, one candle is added to the left of the previous one, and the new candle is always lit first.

What are the main Hanukkah customs?

Doughnuts for Hanukkah (Photo: Chaim Tzach) Chaim Tzach/

Hanukkah gelt: Distributing coins, real money, or chocolate coins is considered a widespread custom expressing joy and giving.

Reading Hallel: On all days of the holiday, the full Hallel is recited in synagogue as thanksgiving for the miracles performed for the Jewish people.

Hanukkah 2025 – Frequently asked questions

Do people work as usual during Hanukkah? Yes. There is no prohibition of work on Hanukkah, except for the custom among some women not to perform certain tasks while the candles are burning.

Can children light a menorah? Yes. According to the law of education, children are permitted to light. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member even lights their own candles.

Where should the menorah be placed? It is preferable to place the menorah in a location visible from outside – usually on a windowsill facing the street, to publicize the miracle.

The post Third night of Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Sydney Jews light second Hanukkah candle at Bondi Beach massacre site

adin — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:20:10 +0000

The Jewish community gathered on Monday at 8 p.m. Australian time at Bondi Beach for the lighting of the second Hanukkah candle and to remember the victims of Sunday night's shooting.

A father and son opened fire on crowds and murdered 15 people during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Fifteen people were murdered in the attack, and 38 were wounded, some critically. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Two of the wounded died overnight in Sydney hospitals.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Bondi Beach on Monday morning after ordering Australian flags lowered to half-mast following the attack. "Australia will not be divided by hate or violence," he wrote on X. "We will confront this head-on. And we will stand together in solidarity with Jewish Australians and with one another."

Memorial for the murdered Jews at the place of the massacre, Bondi Beach pic.twitter.com/PZZNZXvReQ

— Gameover (@EricS2075) December 15, 2025

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accused Albanese of allowing antisemitism to "spread" and failing to protect Jewish Australians. "Everything must change from today," she said. "We have seen public sites become symbols of antisemitic hate. We have seen campuses occupied and Jewish students made to feel afraid. We have seen synagogues firebombed at the direction of foreign terror states."

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Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know

miriw — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 13:00:11 +0000

Hanukkah candle lighting times 2025

Day of Lighting	Gregorian Date	Number of Candles	Lighting Time
First candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 14, 2025	One candle + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Second candle of Hanukkah	Monday, December 15, 2025	2 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Third candle of Hanukkah	Tuesday, December 16, 2025	3 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:40 PM)
Fourth candle of Hanukkah	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	4 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends
Fifth candle of Hanukkah	Thursday, December 18, 2025	5 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)
Sixth candle of Hanukkah	Friday, December 19, 2025	6 candles + shamash	Before Shabbat begins.
Seventh candle of Hanukkah	Saturday, December 20, 2025	7 candles + shamash	After Shabbat ends.
Eighth (final) candle of Hanukkah	Sunday, December 21, 2025	8 candles + shamash	At sunset (approximately 4:45 PM)

This pattern continues throughout the holiday: each night, one candle is added to the left of the previous one, and the new candle is always lit first.

What are the main Hanukkah customs?

Doughnuts for Hanukkah (Photo: Chaim Tzach) Chaim Tzach/

Hanukkah gelt: Distributing coins, real money, or chocolate coins is considered a widespread custom expressing joy and giving.

Reading Hallel: On all days of the holiday, the full Hallel is recited in synagogue as thanksgiving for the miracles performed for the Jewish people.

Hanukkah 2025 – Frequently asked questions

Do people work as usual during Hanukkah? Yes. There is no prohibition of work on Hanukkah, except for the custom among some women not to perform certain tasks while the candles are burning.

Can children light a menorah? Yes. According to the law of education, children are permitted to light. In Ashkenazi custom, each household member even lights their own candles.

Where should the menorah be placed? It is preferable to place the menorah in a location visible from outside – usually on a windowsill facing the street, to publicize the miracle.

The post Hanukkah 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.