Our Jewish readers are this week celebrating Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights.
Because of its timing, often in mid- to late-December, the festival could be confused with Christmas, an association heightened by the practise of giving gifts over this festival. However, Hanukka predates Christmas by a long shot, and it marks the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
In keeping with our dedication to celebrating all culturally significant dates, we wish all our readers who mark the festival Chag Sameach.