Over 2300 years ago in a country called Judea, now known as Israel, many Hebrew, or Jewish people lived. Antiochus, a very wicked man, ordered all the Jewish people to give up their God, religion, and customs and worship only the Greek Gods. By his orders Jewish temples were destroyed or used for his purposes and those Jews who would not worship how he commanded were severely punished.

Some of the Jewish people chose to obey Antiochus, but others refused, one of whom was Judah Maccabee. Judah had four brothers and together they formed an army with the goal of defeating the Syrians so that the Jewish people could worship as they believed. They fought for about three years until they defeated the Syrians and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem.

Their first priority was to clean and rededicate the temple to the service of God. So they washed and scrubbed the temple clean and removed the Greek symbols and idols from within the walls. Now they were ready to rededicate it unto their God. The only problem was that Judah could not find any blessed oil to light the lamps. They searched and searched and finally discovered a very small cruse of oil in one of the Temple chambers. Although the Maccabees knew it was not enough oil to burn for eight days, they lit it anyway. Then a miracle happened. That very small flask of oil lasted not just one night but eight nights! This is why the menorah has eight candles. Each one represents a night that that small flask of oil kept the lights of the Holy Temple lit.

The Hanukkah celebration involves lighting a Hanukkah Menorah (also called a Hanukkiah) lit during each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah is the central observance of the festival. One candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night so that on the last night of Hanukkah, all eight candles of the Hanukkiah are lit. The candles should be lit by a window or door to fulfill the commandment to "publicize the miracle." While lighting the candles, blessings are recited and the ancient chant Hanerot Hallalu is traditionally sung. After lighting the candles, it is a tradition to sing Maoz Tzur.

Hanukkah is a fun festival, especially for children. After lighting the Hanukkah candles together, families and often send printed Hanukkah Invitations to invite family, friends and guests to eat and play games. Traditional Hanukkah food is oil-rich in commemoration of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Potato pancakes (Latkas in Yiddish, Livivot in Hebrew) are a Hanukkah favorite. Israelis eat Hanukkah doughnuts called soofganiot. Dreidel (sivovon in Hebrew) is a traditional Hanukkah game, with game rules so simple that the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents can play together. The custom of giving Hanukkah gelt (money) to children has evolved into a gift-giving tradition in many Jewish families today.

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