Hanukkah

Considered to be more of a cultural holiday than a religious one, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and eight nights in the month of Kislev, according to the Hebrew calendar. The candles on the menorah, or hanukkiah, are lit from right to left each night by using the shammash, the center candle which is taller than the rest. Traditions include singing songs, playing the dreidel, and making and eating fried foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, also known as pontshkes in Yiddish. Because of its proximity to Christmas on the secular calendar, Hanukkah has grown in relevance, particularly in the United States, as Jews look to identify with their own traditions at this time of year.