18. Chanukah – A Holiday of Lights

Chanuka, which can also be spelled as Hanukkah, an 8-day Jewish holiday. It is known as Festival of Lights, which celebrates the dedication of ancient Jewish temple in Jerusalem thousands of years . According to the Hebrew, or Jewish Bible, a took place then. A one-day supply of oil lasted eight days. The dates of Hanukkah always , but usually occur anywhere in late November to December.

The main way people observe the holiday by lighting a candle on a candelabra, a candle holder with space for 9 candles on of the 8 nights. This candelabra is called menorah. Now there are also electric menorahs. Some also use oil lamps. The 9th candle space usually higher than the others and is lit every night. This 9th candle is there so people can see the other candles they are . So, two lights are lit on the first , three on the second and so on. Some have the head of household light the candles. families share the responsibility. The menorah is supposed be placed somewhere visible like in a window the street. The candles are supposed to stay for at least 30 minutes after it gets . There are also special prayers people say and songs sung when the candles are lit.

Schools government offices are open for Hanukkah since the happen at night. Some families exchange gifts on night of the holiday. Some foods traditionally eaten Hanukkah include latkes, fried potato pancakes, and doughnuts. and other fried foods are eaten because they cooked in oil and remind people of the that lasted for 8 nights. Children play with special four-sided spinning top called a dreidel.