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Tuesday, December 13, 2005
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The Festival of Lights
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah falls just after Christmas this year, from
December 26th until January 2nd. Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights,
means “Dedication” and celebrates the historic victory of the Maccabees
and their rededication of the Second Temple in the year 165 BC.
It was under the Greek Empire and the Syrian occupying forces of Antiochus
Epiphanes that the Temple was desecrated. Foreign rulers placed idols and
sacrificed pigs in the Holy of Holies.
Antiochus imposed the death sentence for circumcision and Sabbath observance.
Yet a priestly family called the Hasmoneans headed by Matthias, refused
to carry out his orders and led a three-year rebellion.
After defeating the Syrian Army, the Jews sought to cleanse and purify the
Temple. But when they went to light the sacred seven-branch menorah, they found
that there was only a small jar of oil sufficient for one day. It would take
another eight days to make this holy oil to light the menorah.
Yet a great miracle happened—the oil lasted eight days!
In remembrance of the miracle, Jews around the world celebrate Hanukkah by
lighting a hanukkiah, a candelabrum resembling a menorah, but with eight
branches. A ninth candle, called the shammash (the “servant” candle),
lights the others.
In keeping with tradition, Jews sing the Hanukkah song Maoz Tzur Yeshuati—“Rock
of my Salvation.” The tradition also includes indulging in oily foods such as
latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (jelly donuts).
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