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Chanukah commemorates the successful rebellion of the Jewish people against the Syrians in the Maccabean War of 162 BCE, but the military associations of this festival are played down. What is really being celebrated is the survival of Judaism. After the Jewish people's victory they ritually cleansed and rededicated the Temple, then re-lit the menorah or “perpetual lamp”; hence one of the other names for this celebration, the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew). The story is told that although there was only enough consecrated oil to keep the lamp burning for one day and it would take eight days to get more, the small bottle of oil miraculously lasted for the entire eight days. It is for this reason that Hanukkah is also known as the Feast of Lights. Jewish communities worldwide celebrate Chanukah between the 25th day of the month of Kislev to the second day of the month of Tevet in the Hebrew calendar. Jewish families celebrate this holiday by lighting a special Hanukkah menorah, a candelabrum with holders for 8 candles, one for each day of celebration, plus a ninth, the shammash or “server”, used to light the others during Chanukah. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second, three on the third, through to the eighth night when all are lit. A special prayer is recited during the lighting and while the candles burn it is a time for songs and games, including the four-sided toy called dreidel. The dreidel is popular among children. Some children try to knock other players' dreidels down while others try to spin as many dreidels as possible at the one time. Other customs include gift-giving, especially to children, and decorating the home – much like the Christmas celebrations in Christian homes around this time of the year. Food that is eaten around this time of the year include sufganiot (Hanukkah donuts), potato latkes (pancakes), Hanukkah candy, mandelbrot (a firm, cake-like cookie that can be made into a loaf and sliced like a hard bread), and rugelach (a type of pastry that can be used with different fillings, such as raisins, walnuts, cinnamon or chocolate). Dairy products are also often eaten during this period. The last day of Chanukah is the eighth day of Chanukah. You can check the hotel details in list of hotels, and find more atrractions of there from attractions guide. It is known as Zose Chanukah, Zos Chanukah or Zot Chanukah. It marks the day on which the great miracle of oil occurred, according to Jewish belief. It is a particularly special day because it encapsulates all of Chanukah. A special prayer is recited during the lighting and while the candles burn it is a time for songs and games, including the four-sided toy called dreidel. Other customs include gift-giving, especially to children, and decorating the home.
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