It was an eight-day journey out and back to obtain additional oil. Each night during Hannukah, candles are placed in a Menorah, which is a special nine-branched candelabrum, also known in Hebrew as a Hanukkiyyah . The eight candles represent the eight days and nights of the Miracle. The Ninth candle, the Shamash or servant, is used to light the other candles. Prayers and blessings are recited in Hebrew each night before the lighting of the candles.
Families sing traditional songs, exchange gifts, and play dreidle .
A dreidle, or sivion is a four-sided top that has a Hebrew letter on each side. Each player takes a turn spinning the dreidle, and depending on which letter falls, that player either wins the whole kitty, half of it, none of it, or has to add to it a predetermined amount. Copyright 1995, American Association of Retired Persons. All rights reserved. However, this access does not imply endorsement or approval of the products or information offered at those sites.