Hanukkah 2020: What is the Jewish Festival of Lights?

This year, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah begins on December 14. The celebration lasts for eight nights. Hanukkah commemorates an ancient military victory and miracle. In 200 BC, Jewish rebels reclaimed Jerusalem's sacred Second Temple from foreign rulers. According to tradition, they found only enough consecrated oil to light the temple's menorah, a multi-branched lamp, for one day. Yet, the oil burned for eight full nights. This event is seen as a divine miracle. Today, Jewish families mark each night of Hanukkah by lighting candles on a menorah. They add one candle each evening. Other common traditions include eating foods fried in oil, playing games, and giving gifts.