Poll: 92% of secular Israelis light Chanukka candles

 

A new poll conducted for the "Tzohar Index for Judaism and Tradition" shows that 92% of secular Israelis light Hanukkah candles, fully or partially.

This figure indicates the spread of maintaining Jewish tradition on the holiday of lights among a public that is not necessarily religious. Of these, 68% stated that they light candles on each night of the holiday, while about 24% stated that they light candles on only some nights. Only 8% of respondents stated that they do not light candles at all.

The poll emphasizes that Hanukkah remains not only a religious holiday, but also a cultural symbol that unites Israeli society. It is a holiday that is celebrated not only because of its religious significance, but also because of the values ​​it represents, including Israeli unity, inner freedom, and spiritual courage.

Rabbi Asher Sabag, a member of the Tzohar board, responded by saying that “the ethos of the heroism of the 'few against the many,' the struggle for values ​​and our homeland, is deeply connected to the Israeli experience of independence and resurrection.”

He added that the custom of lighting candles symbolizes hope and unity, especially after the attack of October 7th, and adds great significance to it. “The symbol of the candle provides a hint of an inner strength that motivates us not to despair, to symbolize our rebelliousness and resurrection, and to give a dimension of spirituality and holiness,” noted Rabbi Sabag.