When It's Celebrated:
The festive holiday of Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins at sunset on December 20 this year. Candles are lit after sundown each day and the celebration lasts until sunset on December 28, 2011.
It commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following a Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks.
Hanukkah Traditions:
Besides lighting candles, Hannukah customs include eating fried foods - including latkes and sufganiot - playing dreidel and giving Chanukah gelt, in both chocolate and money forms.
Hanukkah is also a gift-giving holiday. Jewish children receive one gift for each of the eight nights of the holiday.DFW Celebrations:
The Lighting of the Menorah at the Dallas Galleria is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2011. The public menorah is on display on Level 1 of the mall, near the Guest Reception Center. A Rabbi from Dallas will light a candle at 5 p.m. each night of Hanukkah. Following the first lighting of the 15-foot custom menorah, there will be entertainment, refreshments and goodies for the children.
The Galleria is located at 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas TX.
