One of the unusual architectural features found in the outside walls of many Israeli homes is a small, glass-covered enclosure prominently located next to the front door.

Designed to shelter the interior from wind and rain, these peculiar stone cubicles lay idle most of the year, springing to life for exactly eight days beginning on the 25th of Kislev on the Jewish calendar, the first night of Hanukkah.

It’s an ideal location to place the menorah in adherence with the custom of pirsumay nisa, publicizing the Hanukkah miracle, when the oil burned for eight days instead of one during the rededication of the second Jewish temple
in 165 BCE.

This custom is widely observed in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. For eight consecutive nights, the illuminated menorah (hanukkiyah) is placed at one’s doorstep, gate or inside a large picture window facing the street where it can be seen by passersby.

See more here: https://www.israel21c.org/10-dazzling-photos-of-hanukkah-in-the-holy-land/

Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com

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