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Hanukkah sameach! Happy Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah)! Starting at sunset on December 25th, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days. Because the Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle, the holiday begins on a different date each year. Jews celebrating Hanukkah light a menorah for eight nights. The menorah holds nine candles: one for each night and one used to light the other candles. Families gather together to celebrate with a meal and other festivities. ​​This includes singing Hanukkah songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating foods such as latkes and sufganiyot.

The origin of this holiday dates back to 175 B.C. when King Antiochus forbade people from practicing Judaism and destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem. In the ruined temple, the Jews found a single jar of oil which was enough to light the temple’s candles for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days! Led by priest Judah Maccabee, Jewish people rebelled and battled for almost 30 years in order to become an independent region and practice their religion (National Geographic Kids).

Below are some of our resources for children and families to learn more about Hanukkah and the Jewish religion and culture!