Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and “re-dedication” of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Hanukkah centers around the lighting of the hanukkiah, a special menorah for Hanukkah; unique foods fried in oil, like latkes and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot); and special songs and games.
