Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days to commemorate the battle between the Jewish and Greek armies. The word Hanukkah means dedication.  During Hanukkah, adults give children gifts, money, and play a game with the dreidel.  Every time a day has passed, Jewish people light their menorah, until all 8 are lit, a 9th candle called the shammash is in the middle. During Hanukkah, Sufganiyah (donuts) and potato cakes are a favorite.  Daily prayer is usually a tradition on this holiday. 

Fun Facts 

• Harry Truman was the first president to celebrate Hanukkah in the White House.
• The dreidel was actually meant to be a distraction. 
• There is not one way to spell Hanukkah, many people spell the holiday as Chanukah. 
• On the dreidel, there is a Hebrew letter on each side that comes together and creates “a great miracle happened.” 
• Hanukkah never falls on the same exact day because of the Gregorian calendar.
• During Hanukkah people eat a treat called gelt. which is a collate gold coin.
• Jewish people tend to eat oily foods on Hanukkah, as a symbol of the miracle oil that was burned during the eight nights. 
• The important ninth candle is called, “the shammash,” or, “one who serves.” The purpose of the shammash is to give light to the world.
• Jesus used to celebrate Hanukkah
• Jeffrey Hoffman, an astronaut, celebrated Hanukkah in space!

Happy Hanukkah from the New Dealer!