Features : Holidays : Hanukkah

Hanukkah - The Festival of Lights

Chanukah Traditions

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, a holiday that dates back to ancient times. It celebrates a miracle, but it isn't a major holiday on the Jewish calendar in the way that Christmas is for Christians. However, in many homes and communities, Hanukkah celebrations have grown more prominent due in part to the influence of Christian Christmas celebrations and traditional gift-giving occasions that occur in December.

Learn the history of Hanukkah, the meaning of the name (and its spelling variations), find out about Hanukkah games with the dreidel, special foods such as latkes, and discover the significance of the special menorah during Hanukkah season.