The Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah dates back to the biblical times and lasts for eight days. In what is today’s Israel, the Jews lived with the Greeks until a new Greek king wanted the Jews to worship his gods. After a period of time, a man named Judah lead army revolts against the Greeks and defeated them. The Greeks left their cities and their temple. In celebration and to rededicate the temple, the Jews lit the temple light. They only had enough purified oil to last one day, but the menorah miraculously stayed lit for eight days.
To celebrate this miracle every year, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for a period of eight days. They light the menorah each day of Hanukkah and say special prayers. They eat traditional foods such as deep-fried potato pancakes, jam donuts, and dairy products. Over the years, with the closeness of the Christmas gift-giving season, the tradition of giving presents during Hanukkah has emerged. Happy Hanukkah to everyone who celebrates this holiday.