Jerusalem – The young squirrel monkeys at Israel’s Monkeys’ Park were in for a treat on Monday, as zoo keepers handed them traditional toys to mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
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A “dreidel” is a spinning toy traditionally played with by children during Hanukkah.
Zoo keepers at Monkeys’ Park modified the toys to make them appealing to their protégés: they put dates marmalade on them, which the monkeys could be seen licking.
Monkey caretaker Hila Galili said the monkeys were also attracted by their colorful exterior and what was inside.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BC.
In the midst of the struggle, after reclaiming the Jewish temple, the Macabees relit the menorah – a traditional eight-branched candelabrum, and an integral part of the temple service.
According to the Jewish belief, the little oil that was found in the destroyed temple miraculously kept the menorah alight for eight days.
Mi kaamcha yisroel even the mokeys know hashem hu elokim this touches my heart. Just goes to show moshiach is right ahead
crazy! is chanuka a mitzve for goiem &chaios &behemos? olmost forgot the yiden
was that in jerusalem? cuz if yes it has to be a pah’ dreideel and not a shin’
These monkeys are not in a zoo they stay in the Knesset
Yes the Chavrei Hakneset (monkkeys) play Dreidel every Chanukah & comes a long with a huge Chanukah party
The only time in the year were these monkeys dont FIGHT
Can they read the letters on the dreidels? Do they know how to spin them? I think think they just wants the sweets that came with the dreidels.