MANILA, Philippines - The Jewish Festival of Lights or Hanukkah was celebrated at the residence of Israeli Ambassador, Menashe Bar-On and wife, madame Eti. The eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the purification and rededication of the Temple after releasing it from the rule of the Greeks. The main precept followed on Hanukkah is the lighting of the hanukiah candles, one for each consecutive night until all the candles are lit on the eighth night. The lighting of the fifth candle celebration was held at the Ambassador’s residence. Members of the Diplomatic Corps including the new US Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Philip Goldberg, Jewish community leaders headed by Paul Rosenberg, Rabbi Eliyahu Azaria, diplomatic staff of the Embassy of Israel, media personalities and esteemed members of the government and business sector comprised the guest list. Peace and goodwill to all! Shalom!