Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a happy Jewish holiday. It is also called the Festival of Lights. It lasts for eight nights in a row. Families light candles, sing songs, and share yummy food. Kids play games and sometimes get small gifts. The holiday helps people remember a story from long ago.

The Story of Hanukkah

Long ago, a brave group called the Maccabees fought to keep their temple safe. When they won, they wanted to light the big temple lamp. But they only had enough oil for one day. A miracle happened! The oil kept the lamp burning for eight whole days. That is why Hanukkah lasts eight nights.

How Families Celebrate

Each night, families light a special candle holder called a menorah. They add one new candle every night. Kids spin a top called a dreidel and play fun games. People eat potato pancakes called latkes and jelly donuts called sufganiyot. Many kids get small coins made of chocolate called gelt.

Fun Facts

• The menorah used at Hanukkah has nine candles, not seven.
• A dreidel has four sides with Hebrew letters on each one.
• Hanukkah foods are often fried in oil to remember the miracle.

Did You Know?

Hanukkah does not always fall on the same day each year because the Jewish calendar follows the moon.