Hanukkah – also known as the “Festival of Lights” or the “Festival of Dedication” – is a Jewish Festival, starting on the 25th day of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar. It lasts for eight days. In 2015, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday, December 6, and ends on Monday, December 14.
Lighting candles is one of the important Hanukkah traditions. Candles are placed in the nine-branched Hanukkah menorah. One candle is lit each night of Hanukkah, and the ninth candle is lit every night. During the festival, traditional foods including oily jelly-filled doughnuts and potato pancakes are especially popular. Many families exchange gifts each of the holiday’s night.
