Hanukkah, The Jewish Festival of Lights, Begins Tonight

Tonight begins Hanukkah for Jews all around the world.  The Jewish Festival of Lights lasts eight days and commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Jewish revolt against the Syrian-Greek army around 165 BC.  Candles are lit each night and many fried foods, like potato pancakes and jelly donuts, are eaten. You're supposed to get a gift, one on each day of the holiday.

The date Hanukkah falls changes each year because the holiday is based on the lunar calendar.  It usually happens around early to mid-December.  But last year the first night was on Christmas Eve.