Hanukkah, which means "dedication" and is also referred to as "The Festival of Lights", is a Jewish festival which begins on the Hebrew date of the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days, through the 2nd of Tevet. This year, 2005, that corresponds to December 25th through January 2nd. Hannukah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees (led by Judah) over the Hellenistic Syrians in a revolt that took place around 165 BCE
(note: Jews use BCE--Before the Common Era and CE--the Common Era instead of BC and AD).

The victory in itself was considered a miracle, but Jewish legend gives an additional explanation for Hanukkah rituals, explained below. Once the Temple Mount in Jerusalem had been reclaimed, the Temple had to be rededicated. According to legend, only one jar of sacramental oil was found, enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, thus the eight days of Hanukkah.

Not just for kids: Hanukkah | Billy Bear's Hanukkah
All about Hanukkah | Hanukkah Traditions
A Virtual Hanukkah | Traditional Hanukkah Blessings

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