The Jewish festival of lights celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was retaken by the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, from the Greeks in the 2nd century BCE.
Once reclaimed, the Maccabees realised the Temple’s “eternal light” candle only had enough oil to last one day and yet, miraculously the candle burned for a full 8 days until further oil was available.
As the event that the Hanukkah commemorates happened well after biblical times, work is permitted, unlike many other major Jewish religious holidays.
The festival lasts for eight days and is characterised by giving gifts, parties, eating oily foods like doughnuts and lots of socialising.
Perhaps because of its proximity to Christmas in the calendar, the emphasis has been on gifting particularly to children. Many people will light candles every evening in a special candelabra called a “menorah” reciting a special blessing.
Each night an additional candle is lit progressively so that by night eight, all eight candles are lit. Candles and these blessings are also recited in synagogues.
It is a happy time for family gatherings with children.