(METRO) – Fall and winter provide plenty of opportunities for merriment, including Chanukah, which encourages the Jewish community to gather and celebrate their faith together.

What is Chanukah?

Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah), is a Jewish festival that lasts eight days. It starts on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which usually falls within the month of December, and commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees. The Temple had been previously desecrated by the Syrians.

Why is Chanukah eight days?

After the Maccabees fended off the Syrian-Greeks and reclaimed their Temple, they sought to light the Temple’s menorah. However, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination, according to Chabad.org. Miraculously, the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. Sages subsequently instituted the festival of Chanukah to commemorate and publicize this miracle.

Menorah lighting

The menorah is the centerpiece of the Chanukah celebration. It holds nine flames, one of which is called the “shamash” (attendant). That candle is used to kindle the other eight lights. By the eighth night of Chanukah, all eight lights are lit and glowing. The menorah is placed in a doorway or window.

Oily foods

Since the Chanukah miracle focuses on oil, it is customary to enjoy foods fried in oil. Potato latkes are commonly enjoyed, as are jelly-filled doughnut called “sufganiyah.”

Giving

Chanukah really isn’t about exchanging gifts. The tradition actually is to give out Chanukah gelt, which is gifts of money to children. Also, individuals reward positive behavior and devotion to Torah study. The cash gifts enable kids to give to charity.

A minor holiday

Although it is a significant and widely observed festival, Chanukah is a historical rather than biblical holiday. It doesn’t carry the same religious weight as other Jewish high holidays like Yom Kippur, for example. Its emphasis may be due in part to Chanukah’s proximity to Christmas.

Chanukah celebrations enable faithful Jews to celebrate together and focus on their faith during a festive time of year.