Around the world, Jews will soon begin celebrating Hanukkah. An eight day festival of lights.

On eight consecutive evenings, Jews will gather to light candles in a menorah. That's a multi-branched candelabra like this. They start with one candle on the first night, then light an additional one on each evening until they get to eight on the final night. The ninth candle is to light the others.

In Hebrew, Hanukkah means dedication. It refers to the time 2200 years ago when the temple in Jerusalem was liberated from foreign control. When the temple was rededicated, according to tradition, the menorah in the temple remained lit miraculously for eight days, even though there was only a tiny supply of oil.

In tribute, Hanukkah food includes foods that feature oil as a prominent ingredient, such as potato pancakes known as Latkes.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish and Gregorian calendars don't align, so depending on the year, Hanukkah will appear at various times in November or December.

Traditionally, Hanukkah has been a minor holiday, but it has grown in cultural significance because it occurs at a time when many other people are preparing for Christmas.