Hanukkah or the festival of lights is an eight day holiday that celebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history.
According to tradition, Judah Maccabee and his soldiers recaptured a Jerusalem temple after rising against religious and cultural oppression from the Syrians who wanted the Jewish people to worship Greek gods.
When the temple was recaptured, the Jews found it defiled with statues of these gods and other religious artifacts. The temple was cleaned, repaired and rededicated. But when it came time to light the Eternal lamp there was only enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the lamp stayed lit for 8 days.
Today, Jewish families celebrate the miracle of the temple and freedom from religious oppression by lighting the Menorah and feasting on foods fried in oil.
Here is a menu to serve on the first night that features latkes, chicken soup and a delicious brisket.
