El Pasoans celebrate first night of Hanukkah

The first night of Hanukkah began at sundown on December 24.

The Jewish holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians and the rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem around 165 B.C.

President Obama released a statement Friday wishing all a happy Hanukkah. He says the story of Hanukkah reminds the world of the Jewish people’s perseverance and the persistence of faith, even against daunting odds.

A local rabbi tells ABC-7 the lighting of the candles is symbolic of the challenges everyone faces in life.

“We are always confronted with challenge and darkness and we have to realize the best way to go about it is to bring light into our lives and others as well,” Rabbi Levi Greenberg said.

Hanukkah will end Jan. 1 at sunset, after all eight candles are lit.