Hanukkah

Celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah in London this year.

Hanukkah in London

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that dates back almost 2,500 years.

Held from the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev (sundown on 11 December in 2009), Hanukkah is marked by lighting a candle in the menorah (a special candelabra) for each night of the festival.

Last year, Hanukkah in London was recognised officially by the Mayor lighting a the world's largest menorah in Trafalgar Square.

The History of Hanukkah

The origins of Hanukkah, sometimes known as Chanukah or Chanukkah, lie in an uprising against a successor of Alexander the Great, around 2,400 years ago.

The revolt was successful, but the Jewish Temple was destroyed in the battle. When the Jews came rededicate their Temple, they found there was only enough sanctified oil to burn to light it for one day.

Miraculously, the oil stayed alight for eight days. And this is why Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that's also known as the "festival of lights".