The Talmud (the ancient rabbinical commentary on the Bible based on older traditions) says that any oil, wax, or wick is kosher (fit for use) to kindle the Hanukkah menorah, even those that are not kosher for the Sabbath.

Tradition also teaches that the Hanukkah menorah should ideally be lit lower than most candles. The Kabbalah (mystical commentaries on the Bible), explain that these laws teach us that on Hanukkah, God’s Light comes down lower than the rest of the year (like the candles that are lit low), and that every Jew, even one who is usually estranged from Torah, is “lit up” spiritually on Hanukkah. This teaching shows us that there is a tremendous spiritual light intrinsically in Hanukkah, and that Jews are drawn to this holiday not because of its proximity to the holidays of our friends and neighbors, but because Hanukkah is special on its own.

The Kabbalists and Hasidic masters teach that the last day of Hanukkah is really the last day of the Yom Kippur season of atonement.  That’s what is going on here, why this holiday is such a big draw, because God is calling out to have a chance again to be right with Him, to atone and be at one, to know that miracles can still happen even in the cold, dark winter, as long as we remember him and have faith.