HAPPY HANUKKAH.

Today at sundown people of the Jewish faith celebrate the eight day Festival Of Lights known as Hanukkah or Chanukah.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate The Miracle Of The Oil. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means 'dedication'. Over 2000 years ago the Jews in Judea rebelled against their Syrian ruler (Antiochus) because he insisted that all Jewish people must worship Greek Gods. After three years of fighting, the Jews defeated Antiochus and, to celebrate, they restored The Temple Of Jerusalem - which had been taken over by the Syrians - and rededicated it to their God.

As part of the celebrations they lit an oil lamp which should have been kept burning all the time, even though they could only find enough oil to keep it burning for one night. But a miracle occurred, and the oil lamp stayed lit for eight days, which was the time it took to make new oil for the lamp. This was The Miracle Of The Oil.

It was then declared that every year, Jews would remember the day with an eight day Festival Of Lights and celebrate the miracle of the oil by placing eight candles in a MENORAH which is placed in a prominent window or near the front door. Lighting one candle (though electric lights are sometimes used if an open flame is thought to be dangerous) for each evening of the celebration reminding those passing by about the holiday's miracle.

During Hanukkah, people also exchange gifts and give to the poor and needy with food playing an important role for, like most other Jewish festivals, this one comes with it's own FOOD TRADITIONS AND RECIPES.

PETTY WITTER SAYS: Of course there are many sites looking at Hanukkah, here are the links to a few of my favourites.

* A site dedicated to Hanukkah POETRY.

* TORAH TOTS which explains everything in an easy way whilst playing rather enchanting music.