Tradition Triumphs
The Secret of Unity: Poll Finds 92% of Secular Israelis Embrace Hanukkah Candle Lighting
A new national poll reveals that 92% of secular Israelis light Hanukkah candles, confirming the holiday's powerful role as a cultural symbol of hope, inner strength, and national unity.
Tradition Spreads Across Secular Society
A new nationwide survey has provided compelling evidence of Hanukkah's deep cultural resonance, even among those who do not identify as religiously observant. The poll, commissioned for the "Tzohar Index for Judaism and Tradition," found that a remarkable 92% of secular Israelis light Hanukkah candles, either fully or partially, indicating a widespread adherence to the Jewish tradition during the Festival of Lights.
Breaking down the figures, 68% of secular respondents stated that they light candles on every night of the eight-day holiday, demonstrating consistent engagement with the tradition. An additional 24% stated that they light candles on only some nights. Crucially, a mere 8% of those surveyed stated that they do not light Hanukkah candles at all.
This high figure emphasizes that Hanukkah transcends its religious origins to serve as a potent cultural and national symbol that unites Israeli society, celebrated not only for its historical or spiritual meaning but also for the values it embodies, including Israeli unity, inner freedom, and spiritual courage.
Symbolizing Hope and Resilience
Rabbi Asher Sabag, a member of the Tzohar board, commented on the poll results, attributing the widespread practice to deeper national sentiments. He noted that the holiday’s ethos, particularly the heroism of the "few against the many," and the struggle for values and homeland, connects profoundly with the Israeli experience of independence and national resurrection.
Rabbi Sabag added that the custom of lighting the menorah takes on even greater significance, symbolizing hope and unity, especially following the devastating attack of October 7. He observed that the simple symbol of the candle provides a hint of an inner strength that motivates the people not to despair, symbolizing their rebellion and resurrection, and injecting a dimension of spirituality and holiness into the national consciousness.
The practice of lighting the menorah is viewed by many Israelis, regardless of their religious affiliation, as a deeply important custom that binds the modern state to its ancient history and values, ensuring that the flame of tradition remains lit across all segments of the population.