Rabbi Ariel Tal, rabbi of Wellington congregations lit candles for Chanukah candles

• Photo: Courtesy of Rabbi Uriel Tal

The Israeli children are having a hard time waiting patiently to light the first Chanukah candles this evening (Sunday), and of course to the donuts that accompany them, but some are already celebrating with all their energy.

New Zealand celebrated the first candle lighting in the Jewish community at Chanukah at 7:30 pm (8:30 am Israel time). Chanukah candles lit throughout the country, singing familiar songs and eating candies and donuts.

Photo: Rabbi Uriel Tal, Chabad updates

Rabbi Ariel Tal, an emissary of the Strauss-Amiel Institute from the Or Torah Stone Network, a rabbi of New Zealand's Wellington communities, held a candle-lighting event attended by about 50 people. Chanukah's first candle lighting was combined with a gaming event and a variety of table games with ties to Chanukah.

"The event is part of a variety of activities we do in the Wellington community with the aim of spreading light in the Jewish community," says Rabbi Ariel Tal, who has been on a mission for a year and two months with his family, "exciting to celebrate Chanukah abroad. There's a sense of adding light to light here, especially as we celebrate the holiday here in the midst of the summer season. "

Chabad also celebrated the first Chanukah candle, before the whole world. At a Chabad city in Wanaka, New Zealand, the Lubavitcher Rebbe's messenger lit the Chanukah candles in the setting sun and in front of a beautiful lake.