Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights. It is an eight day holiday starting on the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev (usually around December). Hanukkah celebrates one of the great miracles in Jewish history.

In 2010 Hanukkah will be celebrated from 2-9 December.

What is the story of Hanukkah?
The Story of Hanukkah tells of an event that happened over two thousand years ago. At this time, Judea was ruled by Antiochus, a Syrian king. He wanted the Jews to worship Greek gods and not their own god. A statue of Antiochus was erected in the Jewish temple and it was ordered that the Jews should bow down before him.

The Ten Commandments forbid Jews to worship statues or idols and so they refused. A small group of Jews called Maccabees rebelled, and fought to win back their Temple. Although the Maccabees won, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews had to clean and repair it. When they were finished they rededicated it to God by lighting the sacred Menorah (a stemmed candelabrum). Only one small jar of sanctified oil was found, and yet the lamp stayed alight miraculously for eight days. It is because of this miracle that candles are lit during Hanukkah.

How do we celebrate Hanukkah?
On each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit on the Menorah or HANUKKIYA, until on the last night eight candles burn together. The ninth candle in the middle is called the Shamash and is used for lighting the others. A hymn of praise to God, is sung after each night's lighting of the candles.

Like Christmas, Hanukkah is a special time for children. Gifts and Hanukkah money are exchanged. Some families give a small present on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah.

During Hanukkah Jewish people play traditional games such as dreidel.

Why not have a try at making your own dreidel on our games and activities page?

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