Inspiring Chanukah Candle-Lighting Ceremonies at the Kotel to Honor Families, Soldiers, and Heroes (Photos)

By BJLife Israel Newsroom
Posted on 12/22/24

Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 22, 2024 - "For the miracles, the mighty deeds, and the wars": This year's Chanukah candle-lighting ceremonies at the Western Wall will be in the presence of families of hostages, bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, IDF soldiers, and security forces. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation: "We invite the public to join us for the candle-lighting ceremonies held every evening during Chanukah".

In preparation for Chanukah, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is organizing the official annual candle-lighting ceremonies at the Western Wall Plaza.

From Wednesday, 24 Kislev, 5785 (December 25, 2024) through Wednesday, 1 Tevet 5785 (January 1, 2025), a central candle-lighting ceremony will be held each evening at the Western Wall Plaza, with musical accompaniment. This year, the events will highlight the theme "For the miracles, the mighty deeds, and the wars", with the participation of rabbis, public figures, ambassadors, families of hostages, bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, IDF officers and soldiers, Israel Police officers and security forces, families, and the general public.

Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony schedule:

First night: Wednesday, 24 Kislev (December 25), 4:30 PM

Second night: Thursday, 25 Kislev (December 26), 4:30 PM

Third night: Friday, 26 Kislev (December 27), 3:30 PM

Fourth night: Saturday night, 27 Kislev (December 28), 8:00 PM

Fifth night: Sunday, 28 Kislev (December 29), 4:30 PM

Sixth night: Monday, 29 Kislev (December 30), 4:30 PM

Seventh night: Tuesday, 30 Kislev (December 31), 4:30 PM

Eighth night (Zot Chanukah): Wednesday, 1 Tevet (January 1), 4:30 PM

All ceremonies will be broadcast live (except for Friday and Saturday evening) on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation's website, allowing the entire Jewish nation to join from their homes, IDF bases, and hospital rehabilitation wards and share in the uplifting and inspiring atmosphere of the Western Wall.

Meanwhile, this morning (Sunday), the traditional Chanukah menorah was placed in the Western Wall Plaza in preparation for the holiday. The menorah, made entirely of cast bronze, stands over 2 meters tall and 2 meters wide, weighs about a ton, and took seven months to produce. Another menorah was also placed atop the Western Wall Heritage Center building.