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"Hanukkah"
comes from the Hebrew root "Hanokh," inaugurate. A menorah is
lit on all eight nights of Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication
of the ancient temple in Jerusalem, when the last remaining container
of undefiled oil miraculously lasted for eight nights. The menorah
also celebrates the triumph of freedom over persecution, the events
which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which
is now Israel. Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month
of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calendar varies
from year to year.
In America,
families celebrate Chanukah at home. They give and receive gifts,
decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special
foods, and light the holiday menorah.
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