by Beth Conahan
assistant news editor
Hanukkah isn’t just eight days of gift giving. It’s a celebration of lights that spans back to 165 BC.
It could be said the defiling of a temple inspired this holiday. Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Hellenist Syrians.
The triumph was led by the Maccabees, sons of a priestly family.
After the victory, the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
It had been defiled by the Syrians. They cleansed it and celebrated the first Hanukkah to rededicate it to God.
So where does the menorah come from?
As the Maccabees were preparing to rededicate the Temple, they couldn’t find enough oil to light their lamps.
In one of the chambers of the Temple they found a small cruse of oil, which should only have lasted them a single evening.
This small cruse of oil kept the Temple lit for eight nights. It is this miracle that makes Hanukkah celebration of lights.
So whether you are celebrating over a brightly decorated tree, a celebration of lights or if it’s a time of remembrance and celebration, enjoy the season and remember almost anything’s returnable.
