How is Hanukkah celebrated?
Lighting the Menorah is the central observance of Hanukkah. One candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. Thus, on the last night of Hanukkah, all eight candles on the Menorah are lit. While lighting the candles, prayers are recited. After lighting the candles, families (and often invited guests) eat, exchange gifts, and play games. Traditional Hanukkah food is cooked in oil to commemorate the oil that burned for eight days. Latkes (otherwise known as potato pancakes) are a Hanukkah favorite. What is the correct spelling of Hanukkah? Good question! There are several “right” answers including: Hanukkah Chanukkah Chanukah Why Doesn’t Hanukkah Always Occur on the Same Eight Days? Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, and Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This occurs at some point during the month of December and occasionally starts at the end of November. Is Hanukkah the Jewish Equivalent of Christmas? No, Hanu
