Blessings, games and festive foods celebrate the “Festival of Lights” which is Hanukkah. The event commemorates the rededication of the Temple following a successful revolt against the Seleucid Greeks. The victorious Jews needed to light the Temple in Jerusalem’s menorah, but only had oil enough for one day. The supply lasted, miraculously, for 8 days. Jews throughout the world will begin the celebration as they light the Menorah or Hanukkiya at sundown December 11th.
The menorah is a nine-branch candelabrum. Eight candles are the same height and one placed in the center is taller, the Shamash or service candle is used to light the others. The menorah is placed where it can be seen by passers-by, usually in a window.
The miracle of the menorah was considered a sign from heaven that the Jews should celebrate a holiday to commemorate the restoration of Judaism. Traditional Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil, in remembrance of the oil that burned in the temple. The most widespread Hanukkah food is latkes, or potato pancakes.
Each Hanukkah table expresses rituals of family, culture and community. This variation uses cauliflower in place of potatoes.

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