How Do Jewish People Celebrate Hanukkah?

Do you want to know how Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah? Hanukkah is known to be one of the most popular American Jewish Holiday's celebrated. Often times Hanukkah and Christmas go hand in hand. They are often associated with the other because they share many rituals and traditions in common. Both Holiday's involve elaborate feasting, gift exchanging, and decorating. Despite the fact that they share some similarities, Hanukkah comes with it's own ancient rituals and traditions.

1. It is very important to the Jewish that the true meaning of Hanukkah is observed and reverenced. A vital key factor in learning how the Jewish celebrate Hanukkah is to have a keen knowledge of it's true origin. Knowing this causes one to observe and appreciate Hanukkah with great ease and in greater depths. The rituals come to life and mean more when there is a profound understanding as to why you are conducting the rituals. Hanukkah means rededication. It commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after it's desecration by foreign forces. It also reminds the Jewish of the continuing struggle to follow God's commandments and live Jewish lives. The strongest message of Hanukkah, speaks in it's definition. Jewish people live to continually rededicate their lives to their religion.
2. Light a Menorah. The Menorah is one of the symbols most closely associated with Judaism. It is a nine branched candelabra, that is used during the eight days of Hanukkah.  The Jewish celebrate Hanukkah by first lighting the "shamash," which is the extra candle in the middle of the menorah. You then use the lit candle to light the first candle on the left. The Jewish continue this ritual throughout the next eight days, until all the candles are lit.
3. Fry some latkes. Each Jewish Holiday has it's traditional food, and latkes are what the Jewish make for Hanukkah. Latkes, are potato cakes fried in oil. Obviously, it would not be wise to overindulge when it comes to these tasty treats. So the Jewish celebrate Hanukkah by making several Jewish delicacies available to satisfy your palate.
4. Sing some songs. There are not as many Hanukkah songs as their are Christmas carols, but their is a fun variety to choose from. One of the most popular Hanukkah songs that the Jewish use to celebrate Hanukkah is, "I Have a Little Dreidel". This song is sung while playing the dreidel game. The dreidel game is a game of chance involving kids spinning an inscribed top and winning or losing candy.
5. Hand out gifts. The Jewish don't exchange big expensive gifts as practiced with Christmas, but instead hand out eight small gifts.  Hanukkah gifts for children are often fun trinket like gifts. Some families may choose to give one big gift at the start of the holiday, as opposed to the traditional way. Receiving these gifts is a privilege and Jewish kids are taught to appreciate these gifts no matter what they are, The eight gifts are given throughout the course of the Hanukkah holiday.