Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah every year between the end of November and the end of December. Chanukah is called the Festival of Lights. It begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but by the western calender Chanukah falls on different days from year to year. It celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel

The Syrian king, Antiochus ruled the land of Judea. He ordered the Jewish people to reject their God. They were to suposed to abandon the Jewish religion, customs and beliefs and worship Greek gods instead. Some of them did as they were told, but a large number refused. Judah Maccabee was one of the ones who refused.

Judah and his four brothers formed an army and name it "Maccabee", which meant hammer. The Maccabees fought the Syrian army for three years. The finaly drove the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to remove all of the hated Greek symbols and statues from the Temple as soon as possable. They finished cleaning the Temple on the 25th day of the month of Kislev, and rededicated it.

When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished

Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days

Jews use Chanukah to celebrate the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication"

In America, families celebrate Chanukah at home. They give and receive gifts, decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light the holiday menorah