
Named for the Hebrew word for “dedication,” Chanukah commemorates the Maccabees’ defeat of the Syrians, which led to liberation of the Jews and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. Chanukah also is known as the “Festival of Lights” because of the custom of lighting candles over the course of eight days, one candle each day, on a non-branched Chanukah menorah.