In 168 B.C.E. a group of religious freedom fighters took on the Greco-Syrian Empire's army in Israel and though being small in number fought valiantly and defeated the larger army. The group was know as the Maccabees. Judah the Hammer being their lead warrior.
After retaking Jerusalem they wanted to rededicate the Temple. Holy oil was needed to light the Temple's great menorah. Only a small cruse of oil was found. Not enough to last the eight days it would take. Nevertheless, according to legend, this small amount did indeed last. Hence the lighting of candles today for eight nights.
What this has to do with a nice little wooden top called a dreidel... I'll never know. But hey, I was never too hip to the whole chocolate bunny with painted chicken eggs representing some dude's crucifixion deal, either! Ah well.
Happy Chanukah!
