Hanukkah is celebrated with traditions of lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel and eating a festive meal

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Hanukkah: Five things to know

What to know about the festival of lights

Each year, Hanukkah is celebrated in late November or early December. 

The exact date the celebration begins and ends changes year by year, as it is determined by the 25th day of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar. 

The eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which reportedly dates back to the second century B.C. 

HANUKKAH QUIZ: SEE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT THE JEWISH HOLIDAY

Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah each year. 

Here are common ways the holiday is celebrated. 

Jewish people around the world observe the holiday with a special Hanukkah menorah, which has nine candle arms. (iStock)

1. What is Hanukkah?
2. What is the popular tradition for Hanukkah?
3. How is Hanukkah celebrated?
4. What food is eaten on Hanukkah?

1.  What is Hanukkah?

The Talmud, a Jewish holy text, states that Hanukkah acknowledges the Maccabean revolt the Hebrews led against the Hellenistic influence that was being imposed by Greco-Syrian Seleucid rulers, according to National Geographic. 

The holy text reportedly says that a miracle of light occurred when Judah rededicated the Temple after the revolt. 

A single intact vial of oil was found inside the desecrated temple, and it burned for eight nights, according to the Talmud. Several millennia later, Hanukkah still celebrates the miraculous moment when light reportedly overcame darkness.

2. What is the popular tradition for Hanukkah? 

Jewish people around the world observe the holiday with a special Hanukkah menorah, which has nine candle arms instead of seven. 

The center candle, also known as the Shamash or helper candle, is used to light the other eight for each night of Hanukkah. The candles are lit and placed in the menorah from right to left.

Hanukkah menorahs have eight candle arms to represent the eight nights the Second Temple's oil lamp burned. The middle candle arm, which is technically the ninth, is reserved for the helper candle. (iStock)

Many Hanukkah observers display their menorahs in areas where the holy candelabrum can be viewed by inhabitants and guests. 

3. How is Hanukkah celebrated? 

There are many traditions that are done in observance of Hanukkah. A few popular traditions that have become ubiquitous with the Festival of Lights include gift exchanges and dreidel games. 

Especially in more recent years, there have been several Hanukkah movies made that are commonly watched during the celebration. Hallmark in particular has begun to add more Hanukkah focused flicks to its lineup, with movies like "Eight Gifts of Hanukkah" and "Hanukkah on Rye." 

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There are many TV episodes that tie in Hanukkah themes. One popular one is a "Friends" episode called "The One with the Holiday Armadillo," where Ross is determined to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah, and get him excited about the holiday, but runs into hilarious challenges along the way. 

There is a Hanukkah episode of "Rugrats," "The O.C.," "The Goldbergs" and more. 

Britannica reports that religious observers celebrate Hanukkah with Scripture readings, Psalm recitations, alms donations and hymn singing.

The encyclopedia notes that Hanukkah is considered a national holiday in Israel. Schools are closed but government offices, shops and transportation services operate as usual, according to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. What food is eaten on Hanukkah? 

Latkes are a popular Hanukkah dish that is often served during the holiday. Latke is a fried potato pancake made with shredded potatoes and is often served with different toppings, like applesauce and sour cream. 

There are many ways to add more creativity to the classic dish, by using ingredients like sweet potato or zucchini. 

Dreidels and chocolate coins are often given to children during Hanukkah celebrations. (iStock)

Sufganiyot is another food often eaten during Hanukkah. These fried jelly doughnuts are the perfect Hanukkah dessert. Another sweet treat associated with Hanukkah is gelt, the chocolate coins that are won during a game of dreidel. 

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A flavorful brisket and a side dish of Kugel, an egg noodle casserole are also commonly part of the Hanukkah spread. 

Cortney Moore contributed reporting.

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