In the early 1990s, Haifa instituted an annual cultural event, “Festival of Festivals,” to celebrate Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holidays falling during the winter season.

Our days are filled with work and carpools and groceries and laundry, homework and meals and bills. But during Hanukkah, the light is different.

What’s the big deal with those Hanukkah lights? Why do we burn ‘em for all of those nights? And why for eight nights, why not for seven? A gift on each night? Why not for eleven?

In today’s world that doesn’t feel quite festive, can I get myself into a celebratory mood for Hanukkah?

My sisters and I grew up in Central Maine, where my family was one of a small handful of Jewish families scattered in this remote, wooded corner of the diaspora.

The story of Hanukkah, history’s first armed struggle for religious liberty, symbolizes triumph over impossible odds – just like Cindy Stowell.

Hanukkah is a great holiday for plenty of reasons, not least of all for the celebrated eating of fried food and gambling with chocolate. If you’re looking to jazz up your Hanukkah a little more, we found eight fun and surprising hanukkiyot that can help kick your festivities up a notch.

Hanukkah starts on Saturday, Dec. 24^th, and as we look forward to yet another joyous Festival of Lights, here are eight recent, click-worthy, Hanukkah-related stories from across the web.

Eminent Jewish cookbook author Joan Nathan shares her recipe forwine-braised brisket with roasted vegetables, “a riff” on her mother’s brisket, which Nathan describes as “savory, not sweet.”