HANUKKA

( (Hebrew: Dedication), ) also spelled Hanukkah, Chanukah, or Chanukkah, also called Feast Of Dedication, Feast Of Lights, or Feast Of The Maccabees, a Jewish observance commemorating the rededication (164 BC) of the Second Temple of Jerusalem after its desecration three years earlier by order of Antiochus IV Epiphanes; the Syrian king was thus frustrated in his attempt to extirpate the Jewish faith. Though modern Israel tends to emphasize the military victory of Judas Maccabeus, the distinctive rite of lighting the menorah (q.v.) also recalls the Talmud story of how the small supply of nondesecrated oilenough for one daymiraculously burned in the Temple for eight full days until new oil could be obtained. Beginning on Kislev 25 (in December), Hanukka is celebrated for eight days; during this time, in addition to the lighting of the ceremonial candles, gifts are exchanged and children play holiday games.