The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is also known as the Festival of Lights. This eight-day celebration commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after Judah Maccabee and his army of farmers' victory over the Syrian Greeks.
Many miracles are part of the Jewish faith. Most of us have heard about the miracle of the oil lasting eight days when there was only enough to last for one. But did you know that Hanukkah is filled with other miracles, too, large and small? Click here to learn more.
Fill your eight days of Hanukkah with memories along with delicious recipes! Use our free Hanukkah Bucket List printable for inspiration:
Hanukkah Traditions
LIGHTING THE MENORAH
When the Jews attempted to re-dedicate and purify the temple, there was only one small jug of oil — enough to burn for one night. But the oil lasted eight nights — the miracle of Hanukkah!
It is customary to commemorate the miracle of the Hanukkah oil every year by lighting candles on a menorah. The Hanukkah menorah is lit every night for eight nights. Want to make this tradition extra personal? Make Your Own Hanukkah Candles.
PLAYING DREIDEL
The dreidel is a four-sided top with Hebrew letters written on each side. Each letter calls for a different action. The game is usually played with chocolate coins covered with tin foil (Gelt), but you can also use pretzel sticks, raisins, or whatever you like.
Hanukkah isn't complete without spinning the dreidel and playing this game! Don't know how? Learn to play dreidel!
EATING FRIED FOODS
Since Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes and jelly donuts during the holiday. Latkes are pancakes made out of potatoes and onions, which are fried in oil. They can stink up the kitchen and take a while to make, but they are worth it!
Try our recipe for Sweet Potato Latkes, a delicious twist on this classic treat.
A favorite fried food during Hanukkah in Italy? Fried chicken, or pollo fritto.
DECORATE
The kids love to decorate the house. Every year bringing out the family decorations and homemade crafts is fun. Remembering the stories behind the crafts is always a highlight. Here are a few you can try this year:
READ HOLIDAY BOOKS
There are a lot of Hanukkah books out there. Ask your local librarian, or check out our list of recommendations.
