Hanukkah 2012 in Northeast Queens

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday. 

Check out this list of upcoming Hanukkah events in northeast Queens:

Bayside Jewish Center: Candle lightings on Dec. 7 at 4:26 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 5:56 p.m.

Chabad of Little Neck: Grand menorah lighting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13.

Little Neck Jewish Center: Community menorah lighting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Marathon Jewish Community Center: Annual family Hanukkah dinner on Dec. 14.

Temple Sholom Shabbat (at Temple Torah): Shabbat dinner at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.