An estimated 2,500 Jews in the Capital Region have begun celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights, better known as Hanukkah.

The celebration recognizes the JewsB次元官网网址� victory over their oppressors in 167 BC, which allowed the Jewish faith to continue to prosper.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the celebration of being able to believe what you want, and being free to do so,B次元官网网址� said Jonathan Secter, a board member with the Jewish Federation of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.

Secter and his wife Nancy will celebrate the way many of the Jewish faith will, by lighting the traditional menorah candelabra, eating traditional foods B次元官网网址� like potato pancakes B次元官网网址� and giving gifts to their young grandchildren over the course of the eight days.

Hanukkah runs from sundown on Dec. 20 until Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The deli at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria (3636 Shelbourne St.) is open 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and serves up delicious, homemade food.

kslavin@saanichnews.com