Hanukkah 2006

There is one candle for every day of the holiday.

A Menorah

This year, the Jewish holiday Hanukkah begins on December 16th and goes until December 23rd. Since Hanukkah is based on the Jewish lunar calendar, it always starts on the 25th day of Kislev. This holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. It continues for eight days with a candle being lit each night.

Hanukkah - The Story

Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for dedication, honors the victory of the Jews over the Greek Syrians in 165 BC. After their victory, the Maccabees, sons of the family that led the revolt, entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and dedicated it to the service of God. After the Temple was rededicated, the time came to light the N'er Tamid, the Eternal Light of the temple. The Jews could find only one jar of oil, marked with the seal of the High Priest, which was only enough to last one evening. Miraculously, the oil kept the lights burning for the entire eight nights it took to get new oil.

Hanukkah - Light the Menorah

The menorah, or Hanukiyah, holds nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah, and the ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles. The candles are lit from left to right, with one candle for each day of the festival, so that as every day passes, the menorah becomes brighter and brighter.