Happy Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights Begins Today

Happy Hanukkah!

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah marks the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a successful battle won by Judah Maccabee against the Greek and Syrian armies around 165 B.C.

During the time of rededication, miraculously, a single day's supply of oil burned for eight days. Today the Hanukkah menorah has nine branches and commemorates that event as each of the eight candles are lit every day of the holiday and the ninth candle, called the shamash, is used to light each of them.

It's a holiday that brought Jewish families together for prayer, music, singing, games, gift-giving and traditional foods.

Here are a few fun Hanukkah facts:

• If you're enjoying potato latkes for the holiday, it's likely they came from one of two states. The U.S. Census Bureau says 50 percent of all the nation's spuds are produced in Idaho and Washington.
• Hanukkah is a big boost for the candle industry. In 2009, U.S. manufacturers shipped $1.5 billion worth of candles.

For local events, there will be a public menorah lighting and .

If you celebrate Hanukkah, what's your favorite part of the holiday? Tell us in the comments!