from
The Story of Hanukkah
by Norma Simon
illustrated by Leonid Gore

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During the festival of Hanukkah, menorahs are lit for eight days to commemorate the miracle. There are nine candles on the menorah, one for each night and one for the shamash, or servant, the candle used to light the others.

Families gather at nightfall to rekindle menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and to share in festive meals. Blessings are sung or recited as the candles are lit. First, a special blessing for the Hanukkah lights, then a blessing for the miracles that happened long ago, and then the blessing that is said on the first night of every Jewish holiday. It is called Shehehayanu.

During dinner, there are special potato pancakes called latkes fried in oil as a reminder of the miraculous oil.

Each night the celebration continues with songs or readings, games, and small gifts. Children play the dreidel game with spinning tops; on each of the four sides of the dreidel, there is one of the four Hebrew letters that stand for a "Great Miracle Happened There."

Hanukkah is celebrated in the synagogue as well as in homes, and there are prayers and readings fom the Torah that accompany the lighting of the menorah.

What is Hanukkah?
When is Hanukkah?
The Story of Hanukkah
Recipe for Hanukkah latkes
Christmas | Kwanzaa