It's known as the festival of lights. And it celebrates the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It dates back nearly 2,200 years. And it marks the successful effort by the Maccabees to overthrow the Syrians and Greeks who were oppressing their religious rights.

"Judah Maccabee fought them and he wanted to light a candle. Well, they didn't know that the candle or the oil would last eight days, eight nights. So that's why we celebrate Hanukkah, "said 10-year-old Aiden Doughty. He was among several younger members of Congregation Beth El who put their religious art work on display Sunday, marking the first day of Hanukkah.

Next Sunday, the last day of Hanukkah this year, congregation Beth El partners with another Bangor congregation, Beth Israel, to hold a Hanukkah party, with the focus on giving back.