The occasion was a Hanukkah celebration that has been held annually for nearly three decades. It is a joyful ritual of perseverance that congregations across the country are marking this week. But for members of the Jewish community here,

Hanukkah has already begun, and it will end just before Christmas. Here's what to know about the Jewish holiday

This Jewish holiday, also known as the festival of lights, celebrates the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. The Maccabees, an army of Jewish rebels, conquered the Syrian-Greeks who defiled the holy temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees then reclaimed the temple.

Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah's eight days of light, hope and miracles with menorah lighting, traditional foods and community gatherings.

JCRC-NY and local officials used the traditional sufganiyot tasting as an opportunity to support Jewish businesses and foster cultural understanding.

The Jewish community in Pima County gathered to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah while mourning the victims of a targeted attack in Australia during the first night of the Jewish holiday.

President Donald Trump speaks at the annual Hanukkah reception at the White House on Tuesday, which comes on the third night of the Jewish holiday. Hanukkah runs this year from Sunday Dec. 14 through Monday Dec. 22. The remarks will begin at 8:30 p.m. Eastern and can be viewed here.

At least 15 people were killed at a Jewish gathering on Australia's Bondi Beach, according to Australian government officials and police. One of two gunmen was also dead.