This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukkah) starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Local events:

Temple Shalom Emeth (Burlington):

• Community-Wide Chanukkah Party/Chanukkiah Contest/Mitzvah Mall – Sunday Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Community Chanukkah Family Worship Service – Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Temple Shir Tikvah (Winchester)

• Family Chanukah Celebration - Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. 
• 3rd Grade Service and Chanukah Candlelighting - Friday, Dec. 14, 6:15 p.m.
• Shabbat Service with Hanukkah Candlelighting with Rabbi Rim and Beth - Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. 

Temple Isaiah (Lexington)

• Benefit Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins - Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
• Performance of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins for Religious School Grade 3 and Up - Sunday, Dec. 9, 11:45 a.m.  
• Rabbi Yales Memorial Event - Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. 

Temple Emunah (Lexington)

• Shabbat Ḥanukkah - Saturday, Dec. 15, 9:15 a.m. 

About the holiday

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?