By Kim Young-jin
Diplomats, their families and community members gathered Tuesday at the Israeli Culture Center in southern Seoul to celebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of rededication.
The event hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Seoul treated guests to traditional music and a slideshow of Hanukkah-themed images from Jerusalem. This year, the holiday ran from Dec. 1 to 9.
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah marks the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem over 2,200 years ago when Jews fought back against Greek occupation. According to ancient texts, there was only enough oil to light the temple for a day, but it miraculously lasted for eight.
It is celebrated with special food, games and stories told by candlelight. On each of the eight days, a candle is lit on a menorah, the symbolic candelabrum of Judaism. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls in December.
The activities kicked off with ceremonial lighting of candles as well as songs from Koreans studying at the cultural center.
Israeli Ambassador to Seoul Tuvia Israeli said the story of the lasting oil reflects the resilience of Jewish people.
“Jews, although very small in numbers, have survived, and this is a miracle,” he said, counting the revival of the Hebrew language as another miracle.
The embassy knows of some 400 Jewish families currently residing throughout Korea, the ambassador said.
He credited Chabad, a Hasidic movement worldwide, for helping families here observe the festivity despite their modest numbers and being spread across the country.
“Families are definitely celebrating Hanukkah here. The Chabad rabbi here and his family have been helping by supplying them with candles and menorah. The family is doing a marvelous job trying to reach out to as many people as possible,” he said.
Tuesday’s event was marked by the presence of many young people, the significance of which was underscored by Tuvia.
“It is extremely important to tell the story to our future generation, the children,” he said, noting the colorful menorah-themed decorations adorning the room. “The children can enjoy the games and being with their families now, and they will comprehend the stories in time.”