Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev (usually falling in the winter, near Christmas), to commemorate the victory in 165 BCE of the Maccabees over the Greeks and the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
Despite the fact that Hanukkah is one of Judaism's most well-known holidays, it does not hold great religious significance.
The only religious observance for the holiday to light candles in a candelabrum called a menorah each night and to recite a blessing.
Hanukkah traditions include eating potato pancakes ("latkes"), spinning the dreidel and exchanging gifts.
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