Hanukkah is, for many Christians, one of the most mysterious of all Jewish holidays. It’s less of a mystery if you understand the history. Let me help you!

This triumph was considered the first great victory for religious freedom in the world. It meant the Jews could go back to their beloved temple and cleanse it from idolatrous worship of the Greeks, who revered graven images and idols to which they sacrificed animals. The once banished menorah was brought forth again to hold its significant place in the temple. Then the great miracle occurred. The menorah held enough oil for only one day, yet miraculously it burned eight days. From this comes the significance of lighting the menorah and the eight days of Hanukkah.

The menorah, pictured, is a Jewish candleholder for eight candles in a row, with one candle – the shammash – in the center. It is used to light the other candles and is placed higher than the others. The candles are lighted from right to left, with a new candle added each day to remind family members of the ancient miracle.

Lighting the menorah is the most important ritual and symbol associated with Hanukkah, giving the holiday its name, Festival of Lights. The menorah, a symbol to be seen by the outside world, should be near a window, but it is frequently placed on the dining room or kitchen table, wherever the family gathers at mealtime. Hebrew prayers accompany the ceremony.

Hanukkah falls on the same Hebrew date ever year, but it is seldom on the same Christian date. All Jewish holidays begin officially 20 minutes before sundown on the day before the holiday. The moment of sundown is always indicated on the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar is cyclic and depends on the moon. To keep the Jewish holidays in their correct season, the calendar is adjusted regularly for historical accuracy. To most western societies, however, Hanukkah seems to be associated with the celebration of Christmas.

Hanukkah is celebrated differently by each family. There are as many different family traditions as there are families. Gift giving, including Hanukkah gelt (money), seems to be universal. Each family observes the eight days of gift giving according to personal philosophy and economic ability. When my children were small, we emphasized that the gifts were to be creative symbols of love. I tried to teach them that it was the thought that counted.

Hanukkah is a happy time for children. They play Dreidel, a traditional children’s Hanukkah game, using the four-sided top that gives the game its name. They also sing festive songs, go to parties, and exchange gifts.

One universal Hanukkah custom is eating foods prepared with oil. Latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly-filled doughnuts are a must.

One question Jewish parents face is how to help their children keep their Jewish identity and pride in

Hanukkah. Our family found an answer when my children made videotapes to explain Hanukkah to their classmates in the school system. They loved sharing their knowledge and serving samples of our traditional holiday foods.

Since Hanukkah commemorates religious freedom, keeping its special identity is important. December marks the holiday season for Christians and Jews alike, allowing them to celebrate their respective holidays with joy, happiness, bright lights and gift-giving.