Lighting of Midtown Menorah Marks Start of Hanukkah

Hanukkah began at sundown Wednesday, and the giant menorah in Midtown Manhattan was lit to mark the occasion.

The eight-day festival of lights celebrates the rededication of the temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians almost 22 centuries ago.

A miracle is said to have occurred when the supply of oil they had to light the lamps of the temple was supposed to last only one night but lasted for eight.