Jews around the world are marking the start of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. after it was defiled by Syrian Greeks.

While the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah often falls at varying points during November and December, this year's festival of lights begins a bit later - and it comes with a calendar rarity.

When Kai Cutler, age 4, walks into his living room, he sees a Christmas tree topped with a glittering star. That ornament is out of reach, but another decoration nearby hangs at eye level: A fabric menorah with Velcro candle flames.

The first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is underway. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit from the eight candle menorah and there is a story behind this. The holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the victory over the Syrian Greeks and the light of the menorah that burned for eight days with just a little bit of oil.

Jewish festival of lights, begins at sundown on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in 2024 with lighting of the first candle.