This year, Hanukkah will start on Sunday, Nov. 28.
The eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which reportedly dates back to the second century B.C.
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According to National Geographic, the Talmud, a Jewish holy text, states that Hanukkah acknowledges the Maccabean revolt the Hebrews led against the Hellenistic influence that was being imposed by Greco-Syrian Seleucid rulers.
Jewish people around the world observe the holiday with a special Hanukkah menorah, which has nine candle arms.
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The holy text reportedly goes on to say that a miracle of light occurred when Judah rededicated the Temple after the revolt. A single intact vial of oil was found inside the desecrated temple and it burned for eight nights, according to the Talmud. Several millennia later, Hanukkah still occasions the miraculous moment when light reportedly overcame darkness.
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Jewish people around the world observe the occasions with a special Hanukkah menorah, which has nine candle arms instead of seven. The center candle – also known as the Shamash or helper candle – is used to light the other eight for each night of Hanukkah. The candles are lit and placed in the menorah from right to left.
Hanukkah menorahs have eight candle arms to represent the eight nights the Second Temple’s oil lamp burned. The middle candle arm, which is technically the ninth, is reserved for the helper candle.
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Many Hanukkah observers display their menorahs in areas where the holy candelabrum can be viewed by inhabitants and guests. Other traditions that have become ubiquitous with the Festival of Lights include gift exchanges, dreidel games, chocolate coins and gelt, potato latkes and other fried foods.
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Britannica reports that religious observers celebrate Hanukkah with Scripture readings, Psalm recitations, alms donations and hymn singing.
Dreidels and chocolate coins are often given to children during Hanukkah celebrations.
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The encyclopedia notes that Hanukkah is considered a national holiday in Israel. Schools are closed but government offices, shops and transportation services operate as usual, according to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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