Beginning in 167 BCE, the Jews of Judea rose up in revolt against the oppression of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire. The military leader of the first phase of the revolt was Judah the Maccabee, the eldest son of the priest Mattityahu (Mattathias). In the autumn of 164, Judah and his followers were able to capture the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been turned into a pagan shrine. They cleansed it and rededicated it to Israel’s God. This event was observed in an eight-day celebration, which was patterned on Sukkot, the autumn festival of huts. Much later rabbinic tradition ascribes the length of the festival to a miraculous small amount of oil that burned for eight days.
Chanukah begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days. On the civil calendar, it generally coincides with the month of December.
The Chanuka menora is lit at home. This teaches us that Jewish strength begins at home. A Jewish home is a dwelling place for G-d; it is a place, more than any other location, where Jewish continuity is assured.
The Chanuka lights are kindled when the sun sets, precisely when darkness falls outside. It is then that we are enjoined to light up our homes with the sacred Chanuka lights, symbolizing the eternal light of Torah and mitzvot.
This teaches us that it is the study of Torah and the observance of mitzvot that help bring light to the darkness outside. Especially in these days, when we see darkness everywhere, we must continue to make Torah and mitzvot our guiding light so that our lives are illuminated.
Judaism teaches that the main thing is the deed. Thus, the actual lighting of the Chanuka menora comes immediately after sunset, as soon as the holiday has commenced.
The candle contributes physical light, but, in the words of the Chanuka prayer "HaNeirot Halalu" -- these lights are holy. Thus, we contribute spiritual light to the world by performing mitzvot.
Our Sages have said, "Even if all the other festivals will be annulled Chanuka and Purim will not be annulled. For Chanuka and Purim were given to Israel by the merit of their own deeds.
The holy Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz, a leading disicple of the Baal Shem Tov, said: "Every Chanuka as the Chanuka lights are kindled, the hidden light is revealed-the light of our righteous Moshiach."
The following two (or three) blessings are said before the menorah is lit.
First blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר חֲנֻכָּה
Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Cha-nu-kah.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Second blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim ha-hem bi-zman ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
Third blessing, recited only on the first night (or the first time lighting this Chanukah):
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.