Religion: Hanukkah in Jerusalem

In the dark of the year—the winter solstice—is the feast of light. Long ago men lit bonfires to strengthen the expiring sun; the Romans celebrated the seven-day Saturnalia with outdoor illuminations and gifts of candles; the Christians came to honor Christmas with a light-decked tree. For the Jews, the feast of light is Hanukkah.

Last week in Jewish homes around the world, Hanukkah lights were lit—one for each of Hanukkah's eight nights.* Children played with the little spinning top called dreidel for candies and coppers, and some were given a new present for each...