Hanukkah candles ablaze

"Hanukkah" is derived from the Hebrew word for "to dedicate" and refers to a candlestick in the temple, whose flame should always burn. For the duration of the Jewish festival, a giant, eight-armed candelabra shines in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, as it does every year in the German capital.

A Hanukkah menorah also burns at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. The religious symbol recalls the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BC, as well as a miracle.

A tiny oil lamp, whose oil supply was only supposed to last for a day, miraculously shone light for eight days, according to Jewish tradition. Thus, Hanukkah is observed for eight days, and the menorah features eight arms. On each day, another light on the menorah is lit until all eight are illuminated by the end of the festival.

During the Hanukkah festival, Jewish communities of the faithful gather to read from religious scriptures. In synagogues, psalms of praise are read aloud, as well as special sections from the Jewish holy book, the Torah.

Hanukkah is a joyous fest that is most commonly celebrated among family and friends. The menorah is lit immediately after nightfall. At that time, prayers are spoken, songs are sung, and the story of the Hanukkah miracle is told.

During the festival, it is common to eat food fried in oil - like latkes, a potato pancake, and sufganiyot, a deep-fried yeast pastry. Customs that are common among Jews living outside of Israel - such as giving gifts or spinning a Dreidel, the four-sided Jewish top - have also become part of the celebration within Israel.

Besides traditional Hanukkah products - culinary specialties and gift items - kitsch and crafts have found their way into the celebration. There are plush Torah scrolls and menorahs with Walt Disney motifs.

Hanukkah is also a festival for children, who receive special gifts, as pictured here in Shanghai. There are sweets, glowing lights and plenty of time to play. In Israel, schools are closed during the eight days of Hanukkah, but work continues in the shops and offices.