Chanukah

Chanukah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Macabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and “re-dedication” of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the chanukiah, a special menorah for Chanukah. Foods fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) are eaten and special songs and games are also part of the celebration.