BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- They're the holidays that bring light to the darkest part of the year, and for the first time in nearly two decades, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Christmas. "We get to be together with our families and celebrate light and freedom. I think it's great," said Avital Anders, Temple Beth El President. The name Hanukkah means 8 candles. The Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and a miracle of oil. "A small band of brothers stood up and said, 'No, we will never part from God'", said Rabbi Shmuel Schlanger, at Temple Beth El. This is only the fifth time since 1900 the two holidays have been celebrated simultaneously. In 2024, the eight days of the jewish holiday will be observed from Dec. 25 until Jan. 2. Avital Anders says this year is more important than ever because there are still Jewish families missing their loved ones after they were taken hostage Oct. 7, 2023. "We would like to get them back and to have them have the opportunity to see the light again," said Anders. The holiday is celebrated by lighting the menorah, and eating foods fried in oil, including jelly donuts, and potato latkes to remember the miracle. "We celebrate and we connect with family and we remember the miracles that God continues to perform for us every single day in our lives," said Rabbi Shmuel Schlanger. "So, happy Hanukkah beautiful Bakersfield." The public menorah lighting kicks off at The Marketplace Sunday, at 5 p.m.