MAIN Home Life Holiday Hanukkah

At Hanukkah, Jewish families around the world delight in the story of the miracle lamp that remained lit for eight days and the wealth of festive traditions that surround the lighting of the menorah.

This is not a major religious holiday, but it is the favorite of many children. It is a time when Hanukkah blessings and Chanukah songs go hand in hand with latkes (traditional potato pancakes), dreidel games, gifts, and Hanukkah gelt - chocolate candy usually under the guise of gold coins!

The Story of Hanukkah

The story of Hanukkah begins with an outnumbered army of Maccabees claiming victory over the Syrian army. When they discoverd their temple's golden menorah had been stolen by the Syrians. the Maccabees crafted a new one, but there was only a small amount of oil, only enough to burn for one day. The faithful people lit the lamp — and by some wonderful miracle — the oil continued to burn for eight days.

In memory of the joyful occasion,an annual thanksgiving celebration took place each year, when candles were lit to commemorate each of the eight days of the Hanukkah miracle.

When is Hanukkah this year?

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Chanukah, Chanukkak or any other Western spelling, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, and ends at sunset on Wednesday, December 28, 2011.

Around the Web, discover more about the holiday with guides to menorah lighting, recipes, interactive games, history and trivia, songs and music.

Happy Hanukkah!

also see in Recipes -> Chanukah Latkes Recipe | Chanukah Roast Recipe

Chanukah Fudge Cake Recipe

More about Hanukkah around the Web:

Virtual Chanukah - This whole site is a mitzvah! From the ancient to the present - from the miraculous to the secular including a schedule of menorah lightings around the globe, video clips, audio files, and a Chanukah How-to for blessings, menorah arranging and lighting, and a fun kid's guide.

Torah 101 - This site is wonderful for finding out all about the history and the religious significance of the holiday. Of course a recipe for latkes is also included.

Torah.org - If you're confused about how many lights should be lit each night or the prayers involved in this ritual, check the online menorah. Just remember their warning... "Rabbinic authorities agree: you can't fulfill the Mitzvah by looking at a computer screen!"

Happy Chanukah from Aish.com - Extensive info including the basics and a complete How-To Guide featuring an animated menorah, a list of blessings, Hanukkah songs and lyrics, tips on party planning and anything else you ever wanted to know.

Latkes Recipes - Hanukkah - All Recipes - Visitor submitted and rated recipes with complete ingredients and instructions, plus browse around for more on homemade apple sauce, brisket dinners and related holiday recipes.

Torah Tots Interactive Page - Lots of coloring pages to print and more, and don't miss the online dreidel game. Click on the spinning dreidel and it tells you what the Hebrew character means and explains the right move.

Zipple.com Chanukah - A truly extensive list of links on this holiday from an excellent site. Although religious significance is often lost in the commercial aspects, this mini-directory strikes a good balance.

Free Chanukah E-Cards - Pick from a variety of menorah and dreidel images to send along with recipe attachments and music.

Do you belive in miracles?