All About Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Jewish holidays commemorate events with historical and religious meaning. Hanukkah means "dedication," and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces.

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) also reaffirms the continuing Jewish struggle to live by God's commandments.

The underlying theme of Hanukkah is to strengthen the Jewish people and the Jewish religion through faith and action. There are a number of customs associated with Hanukkah:

Hanukkah Custom #1: Lighting the Menorah

Hanukkah is often called 'The Festival of Lights.' The lighting of the candles or oil is perhaps the most important Hanukkah tradition.

Candles are held in the Menorah. There are eight candle holders for the eight days of Hanukkah. In addition, there is a ninth holder for the 'helper' candle, which is usually either in the center or on the left.

The first night, only one candle plus the helper are lit. The second night, two candles... until all eight candles are lit on the eighth (and last) night.

The candles are placed from the right side to the left site. The candles are lit from the left side to the right side. When the candles are lit, blessings are said.

Click here to see some beautiful -- and varied -- Menorahs. Just type 'Menorah' in the search box when you get to the site.

Hanukkah Custom #2: Spin the Dreidel

Children play Hanukkah games, like "Spin the Dreidel." This four-sided top has one Hebrew Letter on each side: Nun, Gimel, Hay, Shin. These stand for the Hebrew phrase, "Nes Godol Hayah Sham," meaning "A Great Miracle Happened There."

You can find beautiful dreidels here. Just type 'Dreidel' in the search box when you get to the site.

Click here for Chanukah customs #3 to #5. Or click here for some great ideas for Hanukkah gifts.