The Festival of Chanukah (also known as the Festival of Lights) is celebrated on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The holiday lasts for eight days and is observed by the lighting of the Chanukiyah (9 branch menorah), playing the dreidel (spinning top) game and giving gelt (money). Gelt is now represented by chocolate coins.

Chanukah means dedication and celebrates religious freedom. Historically the holiday is a commemoration of Judah Maccabee's victory over the Syrian army led by King Antiochus. Upon entering the Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews found the Temple had been desecrated. During the cleaning of the building, only a one day supply of oil for the New Tamid (Eternal Light) was found.

It would take eight days to process pure olive oil for the lamp. Even though there was insufficient oil, they rededicated the Temple. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days. Today, we say: Nes Gadol Haya Sham - A Great Miracle Happened There. The Hebrews letters, Nun, Gimmel, Hey and Shin on the dreidel stand for this saying.

In addition to lighting the Chanukiyah, playing dreidel with gelt and the exchanging of gifts, holiday is also celebrated by eating food fried in oil. Jews of European descent traditionally eat latkes - potato pancakes. Jews of Mediterranean descent eat sufganiyot - jelly filled doughnuts.