Chanukah In A Nutshell
Holiday Central Editor: 
Rivka C. Berman

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· The Story of Chanukah  · Menorah Lighting   · The Dreidel  · Caloric Treasures  · Gelt and Gifts - A Tradition of Giving  · Eight Nights – A Spiritual Perspective

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Chanukah: Its History, Observance, And Significance

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Chanukah falls every year on the 25^th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev.

The 'Festival of Dedication' also called 'The Festival of Lights' commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians in 165 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era).  It also honors the memory of the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.  The temple had been defiled by the Syrians who, among other things, erected a statue of Zeus in . Each night of the festival an additional candle is lit until on the last night, eight candles are burning. According to tradition, when the Temple was re-captured, only one small vessel of consecrated oil -- enough for just one day -- was found. Miraculously, it sufficed for eight days until new oil could be prepared and the festival was established for this length of time to commemorate the miracle.

Chanukah is a joyous holiday, celebrated every year by Jews around the world with the lighting of candles, traditional Chanukah treats such as potato latkes and donuts, games such as Dreidel, and Chanukah Gelt (Chanukah money or gifts) for children.

Read more about the holiday of Chanukah

 · The Story of Chanukah
 · Menorah Lighting 
 · The Dreidel
 · Caloric Treasures
 · Gelt and Gifts - A Tradition of Giving
 · Eight Nights – A Spiritual Perspective