Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucid Empire. Though considered a minor holiday in Jewish law, Hanukkah has become more widely celebrated in modern times due to its proximity to Christmas. Common Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah candles each night, playing games with a dreidel, and eating fried foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

1. By :- Gabriel Nicholson
Sadik Elgallal

2. The Purpose of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on
the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late
December on the secular calendar.
Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Judah Maccabee's Jewish
army over the Greek soldiers and the rededication of the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem. Hanukkah marks the religious freedom of the Jewish community.

3. Significance of Hanukkah
According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays.
However, Hanukkah has become much more popular in modern practice because of
its proximity to Christmas.
Since the Jewish calendar is lunar based, every year the first day of Hanukkah
falls on a different day. Because many Jews live in predominately Christian
societies, over time Hanukkah has become much more festive and Christmas-like.
Jewish children receive gifts for Hanukkah – often one gift for each of the eight
nights of the holiday. Many parents hope that by making Hanukkah extra special
their children won't feel left out of all the Christmas festivities going on around
them.

4. Hanukkah Traditions
Every community has its unique Hanukkah traditions, but there are
some traditions that are almost universally practiced. They are: lighting
the hanukkiyah, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods.

5. Other Symbols Associated with Hanukkah
Latkes – Potato Pancakes Chocolate Gelt

6. Hanukkah Blessings
There are three Hanukkah blessings that are sung for lighting the
candles of the menorah.
1. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who
sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to
kindle the Hanukkah lights.
2. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who
performed wondrous miracles for our ancestors, in those days, at
this moment.
3. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has
kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.

7. Origins of Hanukkah
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah/videos

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