During the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple, there was only enough oil to light the N'er Tamid, or eternal light, for one night. By some miracle, however, the sacred lamp burned for eight days. Thus, Hanukkah has come to signify a triumph of a people with a burning determination to preserve its identity. A nine-branch menorah holds all of the candles, with the ninth candle used to light the other candles. In addition to the lighting of the menorah, other traditions include spinning the dreidel, eating oily foods, and giving gifts and Hanukkah gelt.
Nun is nothing, gimel is all, hey is half, and shin requires the player to add a token into the pot.
Oily foods, such as doughnuts, pancakes and latkes, or potato pancakes, are eaten to remember the flask of oil that miraculously burned the sacred lamp for eight days. And small gifts including Hanukkah gelt, or money, are given to children every night.