Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day “festival of lights”, celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days. the corresponding English dates are from Friday night 4 December until Saturday 12 December.