Hanukkah is an eight day celebration of an important week in Jewish history. Around 168 B.C. Israel was oppressed by Syria and their Temple was desecrated.
However, the Maccabees led a successful revolution after two years of fighting and regained their land. The Holy Temple was cleansed and the Menorah was lit. The holy oil should have only lasted a day but it kept the flames burning for eight nights – a miracle.
Hanukkah is commemorated by lighting a candle on the menorah for eight nights. Other customary celebrations include playing dreidel and eating traditional foods that are deep-fried in oil such as latkes, potato pancakes, or jelly doughnuts.
Happy Hanukkah!