Hanukkah
(Hebrew, 'Dedication')

Winter FESTIVAL of lights. It lasts for eight days, beginning on Kislev 25. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the MACCABEES over the HELLENISTS and the miraculous lasting of holy oil for eight days rather than one. In fact, the festival has an older history: in the days of the TEMPLE, torches and lamps were kindled in the Temple courts and water poured out so it was reflected by the lights. In modern times it has become a major festival as a substitute for the Christian Christmas, which occurs at much the same time. All observant households have a MENORAH for eight candles; one is lit on the first day, two on the second and so on. Card playing and spinning the DREIDEL are associated with the festival. It is forbidden to FAST, and the HALLEL is chanted in the SYNAGOGUE. It is a particularly important holiday in ISRAEL since it symbolizes the survival of Jews against enormous odds.

My Jewish Learning

Click the menorah for an interesting video about Hanukkah.