What is Chanukah?
Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah) is the eight-day Jewish "Festival of Lights," beginning on the twenty-fifth of the Hebrew month of Kislev. It celebrates the Maccabees' victory over oppression and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem — and the tradition that a single day's worth of oil miraculously burned for eight days. Jews mark it by lighting one additional candle each night on a chanukiah (Chanukah menorah). It's a joyful winter holiday about religious freedom and light overcoming darkness.
What are the main customs of Chanukah?
- Lighting the menorah — one flame the first night, building to eight, placed to publicize the miracle.
- Foods fried in oil — latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), recalling the oil.
- Dreidel, songs, and gifts — family customs that make it especially beloved by children.
Why is Chanukah eight days?
Tradition teaches that when the Maccabees reclaimed and rededicated the Temple, they found only enough undefiled oil to light the menorah for one day — yet it lasted eight, long enough to prepare more. The holiday's eight nights commemorate that miracle, and the deeper themes of dedication (chanukah means "dedication") and the courage to keep one's faith.
In short: Chanukah is the eight-day Festival of Lights — the Maccabees, the rededicated Temple, and the miracle of the oil, celebrated by kindling growing light each night.
Learn the story of Chanukah with Derekh Learning
Derekh prepares short daily lessons on the holidays and their sources in a voice that fits you. Start learning or read what Purim is.
