Posted on 12/08/23
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 8, 2023 - Thursday night, December 7, 2023, marked two months since the start of Operation Iron Swords, the war which began when Hamas breached the borders of Israel and went on a killing rampage.
Thursday night was also the first night of Chanukah 5784, and in Yerushalayim though the crowds were significantly smaller, people were out to celebrate.
At the Kotel official ceremonies went on with government officials. At Chabad Houses around Yerushalayim there was music and suffganiot, those jelly filled donuts.
The celebration at Mamilla Mall by Chabad of Talbiya went on as usual, though fewer people attended than usual, they were enthusiastic and singing and dancing to the music. (Actually it was more pleasant than in the past, with a smaller attendance.
Mamilla Mall was not packed with people, so walking there was also more pleasant.
The scene at Jaffa Gate was sad. So very few people and it was a lovely night to be out and not late.
There were parties and gatherings. In spite of war raging in Gaza and rockets from Lebanon, Chanukah was celebrated in Yerushalayim as thousands lit their candles and oil filled menorahs and sang of Jewish victories dating back to the Greeks and the Maccabees.
May such victories come to us very, very soon.
Chanukah Sameach and Shabbat Shalom
