Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE after the victory of the Maccabees over Syrian-Greek forces. According to tradition, when the temple was reclaimed and purified, only a small amount of sacred oil remained to light the menorah—enough for just one day—yet miraculously it burned for eight days, inspiring the eight-night observance of the holiday. Celebrated in late November or December based on the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah is marked by the nightly lighting of the menorah, with one additional candle illuminated each evening until all eight shine brightly. Families often recite blessings and sing traditional songs during the candle lighting, while enjoying foods fried in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot to honor the miracle of the oil. Other beloved traditions include playing the dreidel game, giving gifts or gelt to children, and gathering with loved ones in joyful celebration. Hanukkah symbolizes faith, perseverance, religious freedom, and the enduring power of light overcoming darkness, making it a deeply meaningful and festive time for Jewish communities around the world.