Hanukkah: More American Than Ever?

As the story goes, it all began when a single day's supply of oil miraculously burned for eight days.

If only we knew how to make oil last that long now.  

A Stanford University survey found that American Jews with young children more vigorously than Israeli Jews to preserve the traditions and significance of Hanukkah, which overlaps with the Christian holiday of Christmas. 

This is particularly true in areas where there are low concentrations of Jewish people. The researchers said it is a way for parents to "provide a counterbalance for children against competing cultural influences."

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates a Judean priest's successful revolt against the Greek and Syrian armies around 165 B.C., followed by the destruction of Hellenic items that had previously inhabited it. 

Modern symbols of the holiday feature a Hanukkah menorah with nine branches, each one of which represents a day of the holiday.

It is a holiday that brings families together for prayer, music, singing, games, gift-giving and traditional foods.

Spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods like , or potato pancakes, and jelly-filled donuts are traditional family and community activities in addition to lighting the menorah.

Do you know of Hannukkah events open to the public this year? Tell us in the comments.