Israeli Ambassador to South Korea Uri Gutman hosted members of the Jewish community and their and Korean friends of Israel in a celebration of a religious holiday that is more than 2,000 years old at the Israeli Culture Center in southern Seoul on Nov. 28.

It was the second day of Hanukkah. This year, the eight days of Hanukkah were celebrated around the world from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5.

“I would like to especially thank the honorary consul of Israel (Bae Jung-hwa) and his wife (Kim Hee-woo) for their hospitality,” said Gutman in a welcoming speech during the Hanukkah celebration.

“One of my first meetings in Korea was visiting this place. At that time, I brought just a bottle of wine with me. So, I promised to bring something significant this time. This is a small token of appreciation for (Bae’s) friendship, support and for doing so much for the Israeli-Korean relationship,” he said.

Gutman presented a sculpture depicting a scene from the Book of Genesis, “Jacob’s Ladder.”

Hanukkah is celebrated around the world by the kindling of candles placed in a unique candelabrum, the nine-branch menorah or “hanukiah.”

One candle is lit on each night of the holiday until eight candles on the eighth and final night are lit.

Many families exchange gifts each night, too, and fried foods are eaten to underscore the importance of oil during the holiday.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)