12-11-04
Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away
WHOOPS! Wrong story! :-)
Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their G-d, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee.
Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated
When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished
Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days
Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The word Chanukah means "rededication"
Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The word Chanukah means rededication. Every year the celebration honors the hard-fought victory of those trying to keep their faith despite a powerful enemy. It is an eight-day holiday. The first night usually includes a big family dinner with foods such as potato latkes, beef brisket, and jelly doughnuts. After dinner the family gathers to light the menorah candles -- a new one each night until all 8 are lit. Blessings and songs are part of the ceremony. Children then get to open gifts from family and friends that are traditionally wrapped in paper of blue and silver. They play games with toys such as the traditional dreidel and chocolate coins, called gelt.
The Menorah
Recited Before Lighting The Menorah
Begins at sundown on. . .
Sunday, December 21, 2008 (Jewish Year 5769)
Friday, December 11, 2009 (Jewish Year 5770)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010 (Jewish Year 5771)
