Hanukkah 2012 in Oak Park

This year, Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights—began at sundown Saturday, Dec. 8 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to reformjudaism.org, Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Services on what will be the seventh night of Chanukah will begin at 7 p.m., Friday Dec. 14 at Oak Park Temple, 1235 Harlem Ave. Congregants will partake in donuts and apple cider before the candle lighting and service. Many of the families bring their menorahs and candles.

Friday night services with latkes, gelt, music and candlelighting will be at 6:30 pm at West Suburban Temple Har Zion, 1040 Harlem Ave. in River Forest.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers that took place 2,300 years ago in what is now Israel.

The Maccabees wanted to rededicate the  Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born. Hanukkah is believed to be the first holiday dedicated to the cause of religious freedom.

Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the Menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes. Sufganiyot, Hanukkah jelly donuts, a tradition in Israel, is becoming one in the United States as well.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?