The story of Hanukkah (Chanukah) can be found in the books of the Maccabbees (1Macc. 2Macc. 3Macc. & 4Macc.). The Hebrew word Chanukah means "dedication". This is a time when we come together and commemorate the rededication of G-d's Holy Temple. This festival is also known as the "festival of lights" and is celebrated with eight-days of menorah lighting, special prayers and traditionally - eating fried foods. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days. This year Chanukah will begin on December 18 and end on December 26th.
A Brief History:
IN the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by the Greeks. The Greeks attempted to force the people of Israel to accept Greek customs and culture instead of the commandments, customs and belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A small group of severely out-numbered jewish believers led first by Mattathias Maccabee who was succeeded by his son Judah Maccabee, defeated the mighty Greek army. They drove the Greek army from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to G-d. After reclaiming the temple, the priests sought to light the temple Menorah (seven-branched candelabrum), but only found a single container of oil that had not be defiled by the Greeks. Miraculously, the single container of oil, which was only enough to last one day, lasted for eight days until new oil was able to be prepared.