Whether you spell it Hanukkah or Chanukah, your knowledge of the holiday is sure to impress friends and neighbors, Jew and Gentile.

Q: What does Hanukkah celebrate?

A: In 165 B.C., the Jewish army, led by Judas Maccabeus (Judah the Hammer), reclaimed Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. For the re-dedication to be successful, the oil in the menorah needed to burn constantly, but there was a problem. It took eight days to press, prepare and consecrate fresh oil, and the Jews only had enough oil to last one day. The problem was solved by a miracle. The one-day supply of oil lasted for eight.

Q: The menorah is a symbol of Hanukkah. What is a menorah?

A: The menorah is a seven-candled lamp and a prominent symbol of Judaism. The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-candled lamp containing a candle in the center used to light the eight candles of Hanukkah. All candles are arranged in a straight row.

Q: In what holy book is Hanukkah mentioned?

A: Contrary to popular belief, Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Torah. There is a reference to Hanukkah, however, in the New Testament.

Q: What traditional food is consumed during Hanukkah?

A: Potato pancakes are a Hanukkah favorite. In Yiddish they are called latkes.

Q: Why is Hanukkah celebrated on different days in the Unites States and Europe?

A: The dates of Hanukkah are determined by the lunar based Jewish calendar. Hanukkah occurs between the middle of November and the end of January in the Gregorian calendar.

Q: How many candles are lit during the Hanukkah celebration?

A: On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. On the second night, two candles are lit. You’ve probably caught on to the pattern. On the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, eight candles are lit. The candles are to remain lit for at least half hour after the stars come out.

Q: Are gifts part of the Hanukkah tradition?

A: Gift-giving was not a traditional part of Hanukkah celebrations. Because of its proximity to Christmas, however, gift-giving has become a more popular Hanukkah activity (especially with kids).

Q: What are some different spellings for the word Hanukkah?

A: Alternate spellings include Chanukah, Chanukkah, and Hanukah. Hannukah is not an authorized spelling.

Q: When did Hanukkah become so popular?

A: For centuries Hanukkah remained a minor Jewish holiday. It gained in popularity during the late 1800s and is now the most well-known and celebrated Jewish holiday.

Q: What is the most popular Hanukkah game?

A: Kids and adults spin the dreidel for fun. A dreidel is a four-sided top containing Hebrew letter that form an acronym for "a great miracle happened there." Legend has it that children could study Jewish teachings without risk of being detected by occupying soldiers who thought the kids were just playing a game.

Q: In what order are candles lit for Hanukkah?

A: Although candles are placed right to left on account of the Hebrew language going right to left, the candles are lit from left to right in order to pay honor to the newest first.

You won’t be left in the dark the next time your Jewish friends participate in the festival of lights known as Hanukkah. You may even want to celebrate with them and learn even more.