The origin of Chanukah, or Hanukkah,
dates back to the Maccabean War over 2,000years ago,
after the Maccabean War when the Jews defeated the Syrians.

After the war, the Syrians were banished from Israel
and the Jews reclaimed their temple in Jerusalem.
No oil could be found for the lamp, or menorah...
But finally, enough was found for it to burn one day.

Miraculously, it burned for eight days!!!
This is why this celebration is called
The Festival of Lights.

Celebration centers around a candelabrum called
the Menorah.
It holds eight candles representing the 8 days of Chanukah,
and the ninth, the 'lighting' candle, is the Shamash.
Each night, at sundown, Jews all over the world
light a new candle...and recite blessings.

Songs are sung...there are special foods...
Gifts are exchanged...
This is a Celebration of Freedom.

The Jewish people do not celebrate Christmas,
so if you have a Jewish friend, send a
"Happy Hanukkah" card....or THIS PAGE!!!!
HAPPY HANUKKAH....HAPPY HANUKKAH....HAPPY HANUKKAH

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