Hanukkah Begins Sunday at Sundown

Photo courtesy of Petroni Media Company

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In 2015, Hanukkah begins on evening of December 6.

On the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev.

For that reason, the 8-day festival of lights is not the same dates each year.

The first night of Hanukkah starts with special blessings at sunset, followed by the lighting of the menorah.

Many Americans of Jewish faith also eat food fried in olive oil, such as potato cakes, and different fried breads.

Hanukkah dishes include sufganiot (a special type of doughnut), potato latkes (pancakes), and rugelach (pastry filled with fruits or chocolate).

The first day of Hanukkah is the start of a celebratory period in which a four-sided toy called dreidel is used for games. Gift-giving is also popular.