Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating the first day of this religious holiday in Jewish tradition.

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is on the way, and Hanukkah aka Chanukah is a 'festival of lights' in the Jewish tradition, much like the lighting of a humongous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center or the Hindu festival of lights in India known as 'Diwali'. The only thing is lighted candles are kept inside the home near window sills during Hanukkah. And Hanukkah is observed widely by Jewish Americans just as Christmas is celebrated by across the country.

So what is the significance of Hanukkah? The holiday celebrates and remembers the Jewish struggle for religious freedom and runs through eight days. During the observance, people of Jewish faith light the Hanukkah or menorah, classified as a candelabrum. The Hannukah candles are let from December 16-23.

Other practices associated as part of the Happy Hanukkah holiday is to eat 'oily' foods - good news for junk food fans. Traditionally, olive oil is used to fry potato latkes or pancakes, and jelly doughnuts.

PerezHilton.com compiled a list of celebs converted to Judaism. Marilyn Monroe switched from Pentecostal faith to Judaism after meeting Arthur Miller, but refrained from practicing the religion after her divorce to Miller.

Isla Fisher and Tom Arnold two others that converted to Judaism taking a leap of faith in search for a sense of belonging or a yearning for love. Slightly mischievous Gwyneth Paltrow wished to transfer her Christian faith to Judaism after divorcing her ex-husband Chris Martin (a Christian). Gwyneth's faith Bruce Paltrow was Jewish.

Other celebs who converted to Judaism are Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna (Kabbalah Jewish mysticism), Ivanka Trump, and Tom Arnold.