Nearly twenty two centuries ago, after the Jewish people had returned to the land of Israel from the Babylonian Exile. They were subject to the rule of many outside forces, one of which was the Seleucid Dynasty - Greek kings who reigned from Damascus. The Assyrians had conquered the land of Israel and during thereign of Antiochus Epiphanes, sought to impose their Pagan religion. They outlawed Jewish religion practices and even placed an idol of the Greek God Zeus on the alter in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. In the midst of this Jewish persecution, a group of resistance fighters known as the Maccabees (named after their leader Judah Maccabee) defeated the Assyrian army that occupied Jerusalem, and restored the sanctity of the Holy Temple. The temple was rededicated on the twenty-fifth day of the Hebrew month of Kislev.

This is when the miracle took place.... the Maccabees lit the Menorah and it burned for not one, but eight days. This is why we celebrate eight days of Chanukah.

Menorah Blessings... Before kindling the lights, recite:

1) Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Cha-nu-kah.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah.

2) Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-o-so Ni-sim La-avo-sei-nu Ba-yo-mim Ho-heim Bi-z'man Ha-zeh.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

***The following blessing is said only on the first evening (or the first time one kindles the lights this Chanukah):

3}Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-yi-mo-nu Ve-higi-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season.

"The Dreidel Game"... The song you hear playing in the background is called the "Dreidel Song". This is a game played by the children. It is a top, which is called a "dreidel". Many times it is made of wood. The children take turns spinning it. There are letters on the dreidel which represent a win or a loss. This game is played at any time of the year, but especially at Chanukah.

In a tea towel, squeeze out excess moisture from potato. Place in a mixing bowl with onion and egg substitute and mix well. In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly add to potato mixture, beating very well. Drop by tablespoons onto hot, lightly oiled or vegetable oil-sprayed skillet. Cook on one side until well browned; turn over and brown other side.

Serve with nonfat sour cream or yogurt, apple sauce or pear chutney.

Bring sugar, vinegar and wine to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for 40 minutes. Cool; refrigerate in covered jars for as long as 6-8 weeks. Makes more than 1 quart.

Stir together dry ingredients and set aside. Grate potatos into ice water to prevent discolorating. Squeeze out all liquid; add eggs and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Saute onion in oil until golden; add to batter and mix well. Pour into an oiled 15"x10"x1" jelly roll pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven and cut into squares. Return to oven and bake 30 minutes longer. Serve hot with accompaniment of choice: apple sauce; yogurt, sour cream.