Hanukkah is celebrated by those of the Jewish faith around the world. But, perhaps, its most significant celebration is throughout Israel itself. For those who have or do participate in the Festival of Lights in The United States, the Israeli tradition is marked with differences. Among them, the dreidel, the food, the time off school, musical programs, and, of course, the lights.  

The difference between an Israeli and an American dreidel is well-known. Dreidels in Israel have one different letter than dreidels in the United States and elsewhere. In the diaspora, dreidels have the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hey, and shin, representing the phrase “nes gadol haya sham” — “a great miracle happened there.” In Israel, however, dreidels have a pey instead of a shin, an acronym for the phrase “nes gadol haya po,” or, “a great miracle happened here.” Of course, that is to be expected as the miracle of the oil took place in the Holy Land. 

Another difference arises in the territory of foods. In the United States, latkes are the Hanukkah staple. However, in Israel at Hanukkah, sufganiyot – a donut – is what it is all about. The “basic” sufganiyot is drenched in powdered sugar. The jelly filling is incredibly sweet. The combination creates a delicious and uber-sweet treat. 

But there is another sufganiyot that must be mentioned. In recent years, just like donuts in The United States have gone upscale, sufganiyot has morphed into an even more decadent treat. These “new” sufganiyot mix fillings like chocolate ganache, passionfruit jelly, and meringue. The beautiful, upscale creations were first popularized by the Israeli chain Roladin, and they are gorgeous.

In The United States, Hanukkah doesn’t bring time off from school, but in Israel it does. Kids are off from school over the holiday. But, it is no such luck for their parents. While the kids may enjoy a vacation, parents generally must work. But offices do hold many holiday Hanukkah parties, so there is something for the adults to look forward to as well. 

Perhaps the biggest distinction of celebrating Hanukkah in Israel versus the rest of the world is the Hanukkah theatrical productions. These are grandiose. The country turns into a variation of Broadway that both enthralls and entertains. 

Aside from Hebrew language adaptations of American musicals, there is the Festigal, perhaps the biggest musical production of them all. This themed musical contest began in 1981 and is still going very, very strong. The production pits the biggest Israeli stars against each other in musical numbers. 

In Israel, Hanukkah shines brightly. Literally.  Much like Christmas decorations in The United States, Israeli municipalities put on light displays. All across the country, candles flicker in windows. Especially in religious communities like Bnei Brak and certain neighborhoods of Jerusalem. It is a sight to behold.

Celebrating Hanukkah in Israel is an amazing experience. The whole country is bathed in lights and good spirits. Tel Aviv is probably the easiest location to participate in The Festival of Lights.

Where to Stay

• Elkonin Tel Aviv – MGallery Hotel Collection, Lilienblum St 9, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6513113
• The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv, Louis Pasteur St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6803602
• The Norman Tel Aviv, Nachmani St 23-25, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6579441

Where to Eat

• Yaffo Tel Aviv – Israeli, Rehov Yigal Alon 98 Electra Tower, Tel Aviv https://en.yaffotelaviv.com/
• JAFFA – Israeli, Tirtsa Street 17, Tel Aviv
• Timna – Israeli, Herzl 14.5, Tel Aviv