of the one-day supply of oil miraculously lasting eight days is first described in the Talmud.
Hanukkah marks the defeat of Seleucid Empire forces that had tried to prevent the people of Israel from practicing Judaism. Judah Maccabee and his brothers destroyed overwhelming forces, and rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem. The eight-day festival is marked by the kindling of lights one on the first night, two on the second, and so on using a special candle holder called a Chanukkiyah, or a Hanukkah menorah.
There is a custom to give children money,also known as “gelt” on Hanukkah to commemorate the learning of Torah in guise of Jews gathering in what was perceived as gambling at that time since Torah was forbidden. Because of this, there is also the custom to play with the dreidel (called a sevivon in Hebrew).
Tenth of Tevet
Main article: Tenth of Tevet
This minor fast day marks the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem as outlined in 2 Kings 25:1
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about.
As a minor fast day, fasting from dawn to dusk is required, but other laws of mourning are not observed. A Torah reading and Haftorah reading, and a special prayer in the Amidah, are added at both Shacharit and Mincha services.
Tu Bishvat New Year of the Trees
Main article: Tu Bishvat
Tu Bishvat ( – ” ) 15 Shevat
Tu Bishvat is the new year for trees. According to the Mishnah, it marks the day from which fruit tithes are counted each year, and marks the timepoint from which the Biblical