Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a joyous Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE. The historical origins of Hanukkah are rooted in the victory of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, over the Seleucid Greek rulers. The celebration lasts for eight nights, and it is marked by the lighting of the menorah, a special candelabrum with nine branches.
The story of Hanukkah begins with the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV. 
In response, the Maccabees revolted against their oppressors and, against all odds, managed to reclaim and rededicate the Temple. According to tradition, when they sought to light the menorah in the Temple, they found only a single cruse of oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allowing them to complete the dedication ceremony. This miracle is at the heart of the Hanukkah celebration.
One unique aspect of Hanukkah is the variety of ways it is observed worldwide. Families gather to light the menorah, adding one candle for each night until all eight branches are illuminated. Special prayers, songs, and traditional foods, particularly those cooked in oil, are an integral part of the festivities.
In recent years, the State of Israel has issued commemorative coins to celebrate Hanukkah, featuring images of Hanukkah lamps from around the world. These coins showcase the diversity of Hanukkah traditions and the global nature of the celebration. The designs often depict intricately crafted menorahs, each representing a different cultural and artistic approach to the holiday.
These coin issues serve not only as a means of celebrating Hanukkah but also as a way to connect Jewish communities worldwide. They highlight the significance of the festival in uniting people across different regions, each with its own unique history and customs.
In conclusion, Hanukkah is a festival rich in history and symbolism, commemorating the resilience of the Jewish people and the miracle of the oil. The global celebration of Hanukkah, as reflected in the coin issues from the State of Israel, emphasizes the diverse and widespread observance of this joyous holiday.