In a season rich with hope and miracle, Hanukkah has a special place. Observed by millions of Jews around the globe, it commemorates the victory of faith over tyranny and, more specifically, the triumph of Jewish rebels over their Syrian rulers more than 2,000 years ago. Although Hanukkah is technically a minor Jewish festival, it is the only holiday for which Jews exchange gifts. It also is celebrated in the Jewish month of Kislev, which usually falls in December. This combination has resulted in the misperception that Hanukkah is "the Jewish Christmas." In fact, this festival has a rich tradition and history of its own.

The celebration of Hanukkah goes back to 165 B.C.E. (B.C.E. stands for "Before the Common Era," which is an alternative way of referring to the Christian-based calendar). At that time, the Jews of Judea had lived for many years under the oppressive hand of Syria, whose rulers outlawed Jewish worship and desecrated the temple in Jerusalem. Even though they were outnumbered, the Jews took up arms to defend their lifestyle and religion. They overwhelmed the Syrians in two decisive battles. Their leader was Judah Maccabees, whose mythic strength earned him the nickname "The Hammer."

Legend has it that when the Jewish army entered the temple to reconsecrate it, their first task was to rekindle the Eternal Light, a sacred oil lamp that was left burning continuously. The Maccabees had one jar of oil, enough to keep the flame lit only for a single day. They sent out a messenger to find and bring back more sanctified oil, and it took the messenger eight days to return. Miraculously, the Eternal Light continued to burn those eight days. Hanukkah, which also is called the Festival of Lights, celebrates that wonder.