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Hanukkah is the most important Hanukkah custom. Jews light Hanukkah candles to remember the miracle of the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of the oil that burnt for eight days in the holy Temple. It is a mitzvah (commandment from God) that Jews "publicize the miracle" by lighting a Hanukkah Menorah each night during the eight days of Hanukkah. The menorah consists of eight candle holders in a row and separate candle holder for the "Shamash" - the candle that is used to light the other candles. The menorah is lit at sundown since Jewish holidays run from sundown to sundown. The only exception is Friday night when the menorah is lit prior to sundown to respect the Sabbath.

On the first night, place one candle in the Menorah's far right slot and also place a candle in the holder for the Shamash. Light the Shamash candle and then say the Hanukkah blessings as you use the Shamash to light the first Hanukkah candle. It may be the among best known Jewish holiday tunes today, crushing kiddy-song competitor Dreidel Dreidel"(for the spinning top toy) as Sandler warbles: While the music is playing, Hanukkah goodies are enjoyed such as cookies from cutters shaped like a dreidel, six-sided Star of David or a mini-menorah, along with coin-shaped chocolates wrapped in gold paper.

By Ray Kugler, APHer musical tour includes pieces that hew more closely to the narrative of the holiday, that Jewish Maccabees drove pagan forces out of the holy temple and rededicated it to God. For their faith, God responded with a miracle, allowing just one night of lamp oil to burn for eight nights.