We celebrate Hanukkah. Risman, who is Jewish, studies family-related issues. Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, commemorates the liberation of Jews from their oppressors centuries ago. It is about liberation and religious freedom. Hanukkah is a time for celebration, special foods, songs, games and special rituals.
Rituals evoke spirituality and help to preserve traditions.
There is such a richness of rituals surrounding Hanukkah, that there is no reason to feel the need to compete with Christmas. Each night of Hanukkah, Jews light candles in a candleholder called a menorah to recall when the Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, reclaimed the Temple of Jerusalem from invaders. They found enough oil to burn only for a single day. Instead, the oil lasted for eight days. Even the children's dreidel, a four-sided top traditionally played with at Hanukkah, is reflective of their ancient victory.